Description
Mediterranean-inspired Heirloom Tomato Tartare delivers a symphony of fresh flavors that dance across palates. Summer’s ripest tomatoes blend with zesty herbs, creating a light, elegant starter perfect for savoring solo or sharing with friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large ripe heirloom tomatoes, diced (approximately 2 cups / 473 milliliters)
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon balsamic glaze
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (regular or whole grain)
- 1 teaspoon capers, drained and finely chopped
Herbs and Oils:
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ small shallot, finely chopped
Serving:
- Toasted baguette slices, for serving
Instructions
- Carefully select ripe, vibrant heirloom tomatoes with various colors and textures for maximum flavor complexity.
- Using a sharp knife, meticulously remove stems and cores, then create uniform, petite cubic cuts ensuring consistent piece size.
- Place diced tomatoes in a fine-mesh strainer, generously sprinkle with kosher salt, and allow natural liquid extraction for approximately 30 minutes, occasionally gently shaking to promote drainage.
- Prepare an aromatic marinade by combining extra virgin olive oil, finely minced shallots, briny capers, rich balsamic glaze, tangy Dijon mustard, and freshly chopped seasonal herbs in a ceramic mixing bowl.
- Once tomatoes have released excess moisture, delicately fold them into the prepared marinade, ensuring each morsel becomes thoroughly coated with the vibrant dressing.
- Allow the tomato mixture to rest and meld flavors for 15-20 minutes at room temperature, periodically tasting and adjusting seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
- Elegantly present the tomato tartare atop crisp, lightly toasted baguette slices, garnishing with fragrant herb sprigs and a subtle drizzle of high-quality olive oil for added sophistication.
Notes
- Salt the tomatoes to draw out excess moisture, ensuring a concentrated, intense flavor that prevents a watery tartare.
- Finely dice tomatoes with a sharp knife to create uniform, elegant pieces that hold the marinade beautifully and provide perfect texture.
- Let the tomatoes marinate longer for deeper flavor infusion, but avoid exceeding 45 minutes to maintain their fresh, delicate structure.
- Consider dairy-free and vegan variations by using
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg