Sun-dried tomatoes are one of the highlights of Sicilian cuisine. The grandmother’s recipe for making them at home requires only one ingredient and at least three days of sun. Although those who have a dehydrator might not need the help of favorable weather conditions. How to dry tomatoes and how to preserve this delicacy once ready? Let’s go step by step.
Sun-dried tomatoes, what they are
They are one of the most beloved Sicilian preserves. It is one of those timeless preparations born from the need to preserve the abundant garden produce for the winter. Among Sicilian recipes, it is also one of the simplest and most satisfying you can make.
They are nothing more than tomatoes cut in half and left to dry in the sun for a few days before being stored in the pantry or placed in convenient glass jars and covered with oil.
Sun-dried tomatoes in oil, recipe
How to make sun-dried tomatoes? Nothing could be simpler; the Sicilian recipe requires very few ingredients and, of course, that the tomatoes themselves are of good quality. You can follow the instructions up to the drying stage if you want to preserve them naturally, otherwise continue until placing them in jars to preserve them in oil.
Ingredients
- 5 kg of tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
- salt to taste
- 1 liter of sunflower seed oil or extra virgin olive oil
- fresh basil to taste
Preparation
- Wash and rinse the tomatoes well, cut them in half, and spread them out on a large cutting board. Sprinkle each tomato with salt and place the board in the sun for at least 12 hours a day (making sure to bring it inside or to a more sheltered area in the evening).
- Repeat this operation for at least three days or until the tomatoes are completely dry. On the last day, take a large pot, fill it with water, bring it to a boil, and dip the dried tomatoes in it for a few seconds.
- Drain them immediately using a colander, place them on a cutting board covered with a clean cloth. Cover them with gauze, a mesh, or a mosquito net and let them dry one last time in the sun (4-5 hours will be enough). Cut the tomatoes in half and transfer them to a sterilized glass jar along with some basil leaves, pressing well to fill the jar.
- Cover with oil by pouring it slowly into the jar until all the sun-dried tomatoes are covered. Shake well to distribute evenly and remove any air bubbles. Put on the lid, screw it on tightly, and store the jar in a dark, dry place. How long do sun-dried tomatoes in oil last? Store and consume within 12 months.
Sun-dried tomatoes in the sun and mold
While it is true that tomatoes should be covered while drying in the sun to prevent dirt and insects from reaching them, it is equally important to protect them in the evening so they do not absorb moisture. To avoid mold, every evening open those that have curled up to allow air to circulate well and remove any buildup. This applies if the mold is minimal; otherwise, it is recommended to discard them. This also helps prevent the risk of botulism.
Nutritional values of sun-dried tomatoes (per 100g)
| Nourishing | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Calories | 258 kcal |
| Proteins | 14.1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55.8 g |
| of which Sugars | 37.6 g |
| Fats | 3 g |
| Fiber | 12.3 g |
| Sodium | 2,095 mg |
| Potassium | 3.427 mg |
| Vitamin C | 39.2 mg |
| Iron | 9.1 mg |
| Lycopene | 45.9 mg |
Sun-dried tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, and potassium, an essential mineral for cardiovascular health. They are also an excellent source of fiber and vitamins.
Recipes with Sicilian sun-dried tomatoes
Bruschetta with sun-dried tomatoes and ricotta
Toast slices of rustic bread, spread a layer of fresh ricotta, and place strips of sun-dried tomatoes in oil on top. Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of oregano. A simple appetizer with an intensely Mediterranean flavor.
Pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and capers
Sauté a clove of garlic in extra virgin olive oil, add the sun-dried tomatoes cut into pieces and the desalinated capers. Toss the pasta (spaghetti or linguine) in the pan with the sauce. Finish with fresh parsley and a grating of Sicilian pecorino cheese. A first course that captures all the flavor of Sicily.
Dried tomato pesto
Blend dried tomatoes with toasted almonds, basil, garlic, pecorino cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. You will get an intense red pesto, perfect for dressing pasta, filling bruschetta, or accompanying meats and cheeses.
Where to buy Sicilian dried tomatoes online
On SicilyAddict you can find artisanal Sicilian dried tomatoes in oil, made with tomatoes grown under the Sicilian sun and naturally dried. Also discover our spicy capuliato, the typical Sicilian dried tomato pâté, perfect for bruschetta and sauces.
Frequently asked questions about dried tomatoes
How do you store dried tomatoes?
Natural dried tomatoes are stored in paper bags or glass jars in a cool, dry place for several months. Those preserved in oil should be refrigerated after opening and consumed within 2-3 weeks, always covered with oil.
How many calories do dried tomatoes have?
Natural dried tomatoes contain about 258 kcal per 100g. Those preserved in oil have a higher calorie content (about 213 kcal per 100g of drained product) due to the preserving oil.
Can you make dried tomatoes in the oven?
Yes, as an alternative to sun drying, you can dry tomatoes in the oven at 90-100°C with the door slightly open for about 4-8 hours. The result is similar, but the flavor will be slightly different compared to those sun-dried in Sicily.
Are dried tomatoes healthy?
Yes, dried tomatoes are rich in lycopene (a powerful antioxidant), potassium, fiber, and vitamins C and K. However, be mindful of the sodium content if consumed in large amounts. They are an excellent ingredient for a balanced Mediterranean diet.
What is the difference between dried tomatoes and capuliato?
Capuliato is a pâté or minced dried tomatoes seasoned with oil, garlic, oregano, and often chili pepper. The dried tomatoes are the base product, unseasoned. Capuliato is ready to use as a condiment for pasta, bruschetta, and pizza.
Article updated in March 2026.
