Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes are tomatoes that have been dried until most of their moisture is gone, leaving pieces with a concentrated, tangy-sweet flavour and a chewy texture. They are a handy pantry ingredient for adding depth to many dishes. Common uses include chopping them into pasta sauces, salads and grain dishes, layering them in sandwiches and wraps, scattering them over pizza or flatbreads, and blending them into dips, pestos and spreads. Many cooks soak them briefly in warm water to soften them before use, or keep them covered in olive oil with herbs and garlic. At Dekenet Al Nes, a package-free grocery store in Baaqline in the Chouf, sun-dried tomatoes are sold by weight in kilograms, so you can bring your own container and take just the amount you need.