Simple Recipe for Tomato Cream Cheese Spread | Quick & Tasty

Recipe for Tomato-Cream Cheese Spread

Servings: 4

Calories per serving: approx. 120 kcal

Effort: Easy, approx. 20 minutes preparation time

Ingredients:

• 500 g ripe tomatoes
• 1 small onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 200 g cream cheese (plain)

Steps:

1. Prepare tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes, remove the stem, and cut into small cubes.
2. Sauté onions and garlic: Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the onions and garlic over medium heat until translucent.
3. Add tomatoes: Add tomato cubes and tomato paste to the pan, add sugar, and mix everything well.
4. Season and simmer: Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and oregano. Let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes until the tomatoes are soft.
5. Stir in cream cheese: Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Add the cream cheese and stir well until a homogeneous mass is formed.
6. Mix in basil and taste: Mix in fresh basil and taste the spread again, adjusting with salt and pepper as needed.

5 Top Tips for the Perfect Tomato-Cream Cheese Spread:

• Use high-quality ingredients, such as ripe tomatoes and cold-pressed olive oil.
• Allow the tomato mixture to simmer slowly to intensify flavors.
• Use fresh herbs for a more intense aroma.
• Add a bit of chili or paprika powder for a slight spiciness.
• Let the spread cool in the refrigerator before serving.

Food Knowledge: Tomatoes and Cream Cheese

Tomatoes belong to the nightshade family and are botanically classified as berries. They are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and the antioxidant lycopene, which has anti-inflammatory properties. There are over 3,000 different varieties of tomatoes worldwide, ranging from small cherry tomatoes to large beefsteak tomatoes. Tomatoes are low in calories and contain about 95% water, making them a refreshing ingredient.

Cream cheese is a soft cheese made from milk or cream and has a mild flavor. It is rich in calcium and protein and is excellent for making spreads creamier.