Skip to main content
Epicurious
Cookbooks

Stewed Tomatoes

In the South, a Blue Plate Special was historically a quick and inexpensive meal for travelers served on popular Blue Willow china. The term came into common usage in the early 1900s at diners, where it was used to refer to the special of the day. Serve stewed tomatoes as a side to your own Blue Plate Special, such as fried chicken or chicken-fried steak.

Cooks' Note

Suggested Beverage: Since stewed tomatoes are likely to be a side dish, you’re better off matching your drink with your main course.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
4 celery stalks, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 yellow onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 large ripe tomatoes, cut into chunks
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
Pinch of ground allspice
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and add the butter. Add the celery and onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until soft. Stir in the garlic, tomatoes, sugar, and allspice and cook for 10 minutes, until heated through.

    Step 2

    Transfer the contents of the pan to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours, until the tomatoes have broken down. Just before serving, add the lemon juice and season to taste with salt and pepper.

The Gourmet Slow Cooker: Volume II
TagsStewSoup/StewSouthernAmericanTomatoVegetableCeleryOnionRoot VegetableSideDinnerNut FreeGluten FreeVegetarianEasyWeeknight MealsMake AheadBraiseSlow CookerInstant PotCookbooks
Read More
Caramelized Onion Pasta
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
29 Ricotta Recipes for Dinner, Dessert, and More
Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.
One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.
The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Speedy Chicken Stroganoff
This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.
31 Cashew Recipes That Go Beyond the Snack Bowl
Like Sri Lankan cashew curry and vegan stuffed shells.
Classic French Vinaigrette
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
13 Types of Nuts and How to Cook With Them
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.