Tomato
Tomatoes are a cornerstone of British BBQ and fire cooking, prized for their vibrant acidity and natural sweetness. When cooked over coals, their sugars caramelise beautifully, creating a rich, smoky depth that elevates simple dishes. The flesh softens while the skin chars slightly, adding texture and complexity. This transformation makes tomatoes ideal for sauces, salsas, or simply served alongside grilled meats and breads. Their versatility means they can be used whole, halved, or sliced depending on the desired intensity of flavour and cooking time. Over fire, tomatoes behave in a way that rewards patience and attention. Slow roasting or grilling over indirect heat allows the juices to concentrate without burning the skin too quickly. This method enhances their natural umami and brings out a subtle smokiness that fresh tomatoes lack. When buying tomatoes for BBQ, look for firm, ripe fruit with a deep colour and a slight give when pressed. Avoid tomatoes with blemishes or overly soft spots as these will not hold up well on the grill. For storage, keep tomatoes at room temperature away from direct sunlight to preserve their flavour and texture. Refrigeration can dull their taste and cause them to become mealy. If you have an abundance, slow roasting or grilling and then preserving in oil or freezing can extend their use well beyond the season. Using homegrown or seasonal tomatoes will always yield the best results, as they tend to be more flavourful and better suited to fire cooking.
Preparation
Halve cherry tomatoes. Large tomatoes: halve and score the cut face in a crosshatch. Oil the cut face. Season generously.
Cooking
Cut-face-down over medium-high direct heat: 4–5 minutes without moving until charred and starting to collapse. The caramelisation transforms tomatoes into an entirely different ingredient — brilliant on grilled bread, in sauces, or alongside meat.
Health Notes
Tomatoes are a low-calorie vegetable rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals. They are particularly high in vitamin C, potassium, and the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to various health benefits. Cooking tomatoes can increase the bioavailability of lycopene, making grilled or roasted tomatoes a nutritious addition to any meal. Pairing tomatoes with healthy fats, such as olive oil or avocado, can enhance the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients. Their natural acidity and fibre content also aid digestion and contribute to a balanced diet. Including tomatoes in BBQ dishes adds not only flavour but also a wholesome nutritional boost.
Cook With It
Recipes Using Tomato
Grilled Chicken Skewers with Courgette and Tomato
Simple marinated chicken chunks threaded onto skewers with courgette and cherry tomatoes, cooked quickly over direct BBQ heat.
Grilled Tomatoes with Basil
A simple side of ripe tomatoes, grilled until tender and juicy, then tossed with fresh basil. A perfect accompaniment to any barbecue.
Tomato and Cucumber Salad
Tomato and Cucumber Salad. A straightforward recipe designed for everyday fire cooking.
Tomato Chutney
A simple, versatile tomato chutney that is cooked in the kitchen to accompany a wide range of grilled meats and vegetables.
Whole Grilled Mackerel with Tomato Salsa
Whole mackerel grilled until the skin is crisp, served with a sharp tomato, red onion, and caper salsa. Fast, flavourful, and affordable.
Charred Tomatoes with Burrata
Ripe heritage tomatoes charred on the grill until blistered and smoky, served with torn burrata, olive oil, and balsamic. Summer on a plate.
