This year the weather been like no other, including a strange growing season for tomatoes. One of my tomato varieties sadly did not make it and the other took over like a weed. The oddly shaped fruits made this wonderfully simple salad Marinated Garden Tomatoes & “Ricotta”, a little summer jewel.
TOMATOES IN THE GARDEN
For years now on the blog I have been posting recipes and photos of my tomatoes from my garden. This year was strange, as it produced oddly shaped fruits with circular ring splits. The oddly shaped tomatoes are the “Black Krim” an heirloom variety, which I have grown before great results. However, that was when I lived inland, now I am near the coast, game changer.
BLACK KRIM HEIRLOOM
The Black Krim is medium to large-sized, very dark maroon beefsteak, with wonderfully rich flavor. The variety originated in Crimea, a peninsula in the Black Sea with perfect “tomato summers”. I have found the tomatoes tasty and pretty on the plate, with green and red flesh.
MARINATED TOMATO SALAD
This beautifully simple salad is a method my Mom used with our garden tomatoes. The still warm from the sun tomatoes are quartered into wedges or left whole if cherry tomatoes are used and placed in a bowl. A little minced garlic and olive oil are tossed with the tomatoes and allowed to marinate on the kitchen counter for least 30 minutes. Next just mound the tomatoes on a platter to serve family style, like we always did at home.
HERB RICOTTA CHEESE
To complement the bright acidity of the tomatoes a creamy ricotta cheese loaded with fresh herbs is mounded on the side of the platter. I have enjoyed using this almond based “ricotta” product. I find it creamy and lighter than real ricotta and plays well with the fresh herbs. Of course, use traditional ricotta, and also it is really best to make your own, as I did here, with a link to an article explaining the difference between real ricotta and fresh Ricotta-style cheese I made. Worth a look, helpful to know.
SERVING FAMILY STYLE
I enjoy bringing large platters of food to the table and allow diners to serve themselves to whatever they want from the table. It is a comfortable, convivial serving method. Setting platters up on a buffet table stacked with plates, silverware and napkins makes another great way to serve family style.
Please enjoy Marinated Garden Tomatoes & “Ricotta” another little jewel from the kitchen.
As always, enjoy. B
