Technically, tomatoes are a fruit, but Americans use them as a vegetable. Their nutritional offerings are as sweet as their flavor and aroma.
Heat causes skins to slip away from the flesh.
So it is best to peel a tomato before adding it to a heated dish. To peel fresh tomatoes submerge them in a bowl of boiling water and the skins will slip off. Sprinkle the cavity lightly with salt and turn upside down on a paper towel to drain. Simmer, tightly covered, over low heat until done, 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Broil until tomatoes are tender and topping is lightly browned.