Friday, June 21, 2013

Eating Whole Foods: Tomato Tartare & Micro Greens

I can sometimes be my worst critic...finding fault in the most mundane things. But sometimes everything just falls into place so perfectly that even I can't criticize it.  The Tomato Tatare below is an example; everything about it was just right. The taste was amazing, and the presentation, superb.

It helps that I was able to get quality ingredients at my local Whole Foods Market. Want to make this for yourself? 

***Enter a comment below and you could win a $25 gift card to Whole Foods Market to get you started. Contest ends midnight 6/29.*****




Tomato Tartare and Micro Greens with Shallot Vinaigrette
(adapted from Emeril Lagasse)

2 pounds heirloom tomatoes
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
6 to 8 sprigs fresh thyme
4 shallots, sliced into rounds (about 1/2 cup)
1/4 cup brown rice vinegar
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups cubed whole wheat bread (small cubes)
1/4 cup chopped pitted black olives
1/2 cup micro greens

1. Seed and dice the tomatoes, and place them in a colander set over a bowl to catch the juices. Sprinkle 3/4 teaspoon of the salt over the tomatoes, and let them sit while you prepare the rest of the dish.

2. Combine the olive oil, thyme, and shallots in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, and then immediately
reduce the heat. Simmer gently until the shallots are tender, 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat,
and discard the thyme. Strain the shallots, reserving the oil separately, and allow them to cool. Puree the cooled shallots with 2 tablespoons of the reserved oil in a blender or food processor.

3. In a small bowl, whisk 3 tablespoons of the shallot puree with the vinegar, garlic, mustard, sugar, and herbs. Slowly whisk in 8 tablespoons of the reserved oil. Season with 1h teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper. Set the vinaigrette aside.

4. Preheat the oven to 350 F.

5. In a medium mixing bowl, toss the bread cubes with 1/4 teaspoon salt, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 4 tablespoons of the remaining reserved oil. Spread the bread cubes out on a baking sheet, and bake until crisp, 12 to 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.

6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tomatoes, toasted bread cubes, and olives, and toss with 1/4 cup of the shallot vinaigrette.

7. To assemble, place a 3-inch round cookie cutter on a plate, and spoon the tomato mixture into the mold, filling it all the way to the top. Remove the mold, and mound 2 tablespoons of the micro greens on top of the tomatoes. Drizzle the plate with a little of the remaining vinaigrette. Repeat this for all the remaining three plates, and serve.

4 servings

10 comments:

  1. you've outdone yourself (and happy birthday!!). I never cease to be awed at the fruits and vegetables at Whole Foods, esp. organic and exotic. This would make a company fare appetizer! great photo! and now I'm sooo hungry!!!!!

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  2. This looks delicious! jersey tomato season is almost here and this will be on my to do list.

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  3. This looks amazing and delicious! I suppose it would be OK to substitute seasoned rice vinegar with the brown rice vinegar since I have that already? Would it alter the taste too much?

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  4. That looks fabulous and very flavorful!
    cereza25 at yahoo dot com

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  5. Looks so delicious! I made it to Whole Foods last week & bought that cute artichoke bag :)

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  6. Looks light and delicious. Thanks!

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  7. Theresa,
    This is gorgeous! will be making with my heirlooms and some fresh mozzarella soon!

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  8. Looks so delicious and fancy. Thank you for the giveaway!

    elena150980@yahoo.com

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  9. i hope to win the giveaway. i love your post. and can't wait to try the recipes i see here

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  10. All this colorful healthy food will be my undoing

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