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Cherry Tomatoes & Basil

In Salads, Vegetables On March 7, 2014 0 Comments

In the last two weeks, as I’ve gone up and down the stalls at the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market, it’s been difficult to ignore the bright, multicolored cherry tomatoes. Don’t they look spectacular?

Image.CherryTom'sFarmers'Market

In response to one of our Facebook friends, here’s a recipe for tomatoes and basil (btw, we’re using cherry tomatoes here). Simply, cut the cherry tomatoes in half, add salt, pepper, extra virgin olive oil and basil. Get some good European-style bread and eat your heart out! Now, who says you have to cook to eat well?

Prep time: 15 minutes (for washing and cutting the tomatoes)
Serves: 4

Ingredients:
One quart cherry tomatoes, washed & dried with paper towels
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
2 to 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 to 5 large fresh basil leaves, washed & dried with paper towels

Directions:

1. Remove stem from each cherry tomato. Cut each tomato in half; set halved tomatoes in a serving bowl.

2. Add salt and pepper, to taste.

3. Using two spoons, gently stir in 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. Toss and taste.

4. If needed, add a little more olive oil, one tablespoon at a time. Taste the tomatoes with each olive oil addition.

5. Using kitchen shears, cut the basil leaves into slivers; toss the basil slivers into the tomato salad.

Serve Cherry Tomatoes & Basil with fresh, crusty bread.

Text and Photographs ©2014 Nancy DeLucia Real

 

 

Tomato, Walnut & Basil Salad

In Salads On August 28, 2012 0 Comments

Traditionally, I’ve enjoyed tomatoes sliced and tossed with onions, olive oil and basil.

But recently, I tweaked this tomato salad from Southern Italy by adding walnuts. When I served it to guests, it was a hit. And now, I’m sharing it with all of you – enjoy.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:
4 large, vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
2 to 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup chopped, freshly shelled walnuts
4 large, fresh basil leaves, cut in slivers with cooking shears

1. Slice tomatoes in 1/4-inch thick circles.

2. Arrange the tomatoes in overlapping circles on a platter.

3. Scatter the red onion slices over top of tomatoes, followed by salt and pepper.

4. Drizzle the olive oil over tomato salad, followed by a sprinkle of walnuts and slivered basil.

Serve immediately with ciabatta bread (Italian slipper bread) or focaccia.

This salad can also be served as a side dish to meat, fish or poultry.

Text and Photograph ©2012 Nancy DeLucia Real.