DRIED TOMATOES IN KASHMIRI STYLE

Tomatoes are used extensively in Kashmiri cuisine. Fresh tomatoes are available in summer. However, during the extreme winter, it becomes very difficult to get fresh tomatoes. Consequently, the Kashmiri folks use the traditional method for preservation of tomatoes. It is a very easy method, yet a very unique one also. When I saw the process, I was amazed and learnt it. I dehydrated the tomatoes in the similar way and use them throughout the year. This makes my dishes differ from one another. I observed the following differences

a) Fresh tomatoes give their own flavor to the dish. Dried tomatoes enhance altogether different flavor.
b) Fresh tomatoes may or may not give the respective deep red color to the dish. However, the dried tomatoes give a unique and extraordinary color to the dish.
c) Fresh tomatoes cannot be stored for a long time. However, the dried tomatoes are preserved ones and one can make a powder from it. This powder might be sprinkled to make rich gravy, to thicken the gravy or to get the color.
d) Fresh tomatoes might spoil easily and are thrown away. However, the dried tomatoes might be stored throughout the year and used accordingly.

The steps meant for the preservation of the fresh tomatoes are

1) Purchase the fresh tomatoes in bulk quantities.
2) Wash the tomatoes under the running water.
3) Clean and remove the excess water from the tomatoes.
4) Cut round slices from the tomatoes.
5) Place these slices in a large open plate or newspapers or bamboo mats.
6) Keep the plates or newspapers or mats in open areas wherein there is abundant of the sunlight.
7) One can also keep in a store-room where plenty of sunlight is present.
8) Keep changing the sides of the tomatoes on a daily basis.
9) The tomatoes would be completely dried in a month's time.
10) Store them in a jar or a container.

We might use the dehydrated tomatoes in various ways. They are the following

a) Use them in the preparation of soups.
b) Use them to make gravies.
c) Use them to thicken the gravy of a curry.
d) Sprinkle them over the salad.
e) Use them to make tomato rice.
f) Use them to make different chutneys.
g) Use them in curd.

Dried tomatoes are used to make a variety of dishes in Kashmiri cuisine. The elders recommend using them in the winter. According to them, the dehydrated tomatoes give warmth to the body, help in digestion of spicy and rich food, save us from cold and fever, help to avoid constipation, add glow to the skin, enhance the taste and flavor to a dish, and they are good for our health also.