Pomodori secchi - Sun dried tomatoes

According to the traditional preparation, the tomatoes are harvested when ripe, carefully cleaned, cut in half in the sense of their height, and left to dry in the sun on a wooden frame, not before having them sprinkled with salt and, according to traditions, with chili powder. To facilitate the process and prevent humidity from affecting it, these are collected indoors during the night. The drying usually lasts about a week, after which the tomatoes, completely dehydrated, are rinsed and blanched in a solution of water and vinegar in order to sterilize them.At this point the dried tomatoes are preserved in oil, with the addition of garlic cloves and possibly also mint, oregano, capers, basil and chilli. Perfect in a sandwich or as an appetizer.