Description
Heirloom tomato tartare brings Italian summer charm to classic French technique, blending ripe garden tomatoes with delicate herbs and olive oil. Mediterranean flavors dance on your plate, inviting you to savor each fresh, bright bite of this elegant appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Heirloom Tomatoes:
- 2 large ripe heirloom tomatoes (approximately 2 cups / 480 milliliters)
Aromatics and Herbs:
- 1/2 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Seasonings and Condiments:
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon capers, drained and finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon balsamic glaze
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (regular or whole grain)
Serving:
- Toasted baguette slices
Instructions
- Select ripe, vibrant heirloom tomatoes and meticulously remove stems and cores. Dice the tomatoes into uniform, petite cubes to ensure consistent texture and appearance.
- Place diced tomatoes in a fine-mesh strainer, sprinkle with salt, and allow liquid to drain for approximately 30 minutes at room temperature. This process concentrates the tomato’s natural flavors and prevents excess moisture.
- Prepare a zesty marinade by combining finely minced shallots, briny capers, rich balsamic glaze, tangy Dijon mustard, fragrant olive oil, and freshly chopped herbs in a mixing bowl. Whisk ingredients until thoroughly blended.
- Gently transfer drained tomatoes into the marinade, carefully folding to coat each piece evenly. Let the mixture rest for 15-20 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to absorb the complex flavor profile.
- Taste the tartare and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Serve the tomato tartare atop crisp, lightly toasted baguette slices for an elegant appetizer.
- Garnish with delicate herb sprigs and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to enhance the dish’s visual appeal and add a final layer of flavor complexity.
Notes
- Drain tomatoes thoroughly to prevent a watery tartare, ensuring a perfect texture that holds together beautifully.
- Experiment with different herb combinations like basil, thyme, or chives to create unique flavor profiles matching your taste preference.
- Use room temperature tomatoes for maximum flavor intensity and a more vibrant, fresh-tasting tartare.
- Opt for gluten-free baguette or cucumber rounds for a low-carb alternative that keeps the dish light and refreshing.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Shaking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 165 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1380 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg