Don't Hesitate To Use Sad-Looking, Bruised Tomatoes In Your Soup

You're rifling through your kitchen, and there they are — those bruised tomatoes that you forgot in the back of the fridge. They may not win any beauty contests, but don't let their wrinkled skins and soft spots fool you. These tomatoes still have plenty flavor to offer. When added into a simmering pot of soup, they soften even more, enriching the seasonings of the broth. Imagine the burst of tangy, sun-ripened tomato mingling with herbs and spices — it's the super star ingredient you didn't know you needed!

Just like overripe bananas are great for baking and add a natural sweetness to banana bread, bruised tomatoes add moisture and bring a savory taste to your soups. For a creamy taco soup, toss them in with the ground meat, bell pepper, onion, and chicken stock. Let everything simmer until all the elements blend. Then finish it off with some fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.  Adding those tomatoes makes the soup heartier without much effort. To make a yummy vegetarian tortilla soup, roast the tomatoes first to bring out their earthy sweetness, then combine them with jalapeño, black beans, and corn for a satisfying meal.

Venturing into global cuisines can reveal new ways to use bruised tomatoes. They are a practical addition to healthy Indian soups like Moong Dal. This lentil soup benefits from the addition of tomatoes. To use them, start by heating a bit of oil in a pan and sautéing the tomatoes in with the onions, garlic, and spices. This process allows the aromatic ingredients and the tomatoes to marinate together, creating a well-rounded base. For an Indian-inspired Cabbage and Lentil Curry Soup, consider adding bruised tomatoes into the recipe. Simply chop the tomatoes and stir them into the pot along with the lentils, broth, and spices. Let everything lightly boil together until the flavors marry and the soup has reached your desired consistency. 

To use bruised tomatoes later, cook them on the stove until they start to peel and the moisture has reduced significantly. Blend the mixture and stir in the juice of one lemon or lime to help preserve it. Transfer the paste to airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to 3 months. There are so many uses for tomato paste, as it can enhance soups, sauces, and stews. Alternatively, you can chop your bruised tomatoes and store them in freezer bags. When ready to cook, thaw the chunks directly into your recipes as you are preparing it. These methods help you make the most of your bruised tomatoes, adding flavor to your meals and reducing waste.