Charred Tomatoes Recipes

CHARRED HEIRLOOM TOMATOES WITH FRESH HERBS

Steps:

• Arrange tomatoes, cut side up, on rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then 1 1/2 tablespoons each oregano and thyme leaves. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons oil. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
• Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Brush grill rack with oil. Place tomatoes, cut side up, on rack. Cook until bottoms are charred, 3 to 4 minutes. Turn tomatoes over and grill just to sear, about 1 minute. Turn cut side up onto platter. Sprinkle with 1/2 tablespoon each oregano and thyme, then drizzle with more oil, if desired. Serve warm.

CHARRED TOMATOES WITH EGG, ANCHOVIES AND BREAD CRUMBS

Steps:

• Make the bread crumbs: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Put bread cubes in a mixing bowl, drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, season lightly with salt and pepper and toss well. Spread on a baking sheet in one layer and bake uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes, or until crisp and golden. Set aside to cool. When cool, crush into very coarse crumbs.
• Make the vinaigrette: Put the garlic in a small bowl with the vinegar, mustard and a pinch of salt. Whisk in 1/4 cup of olive oil. Set aside.
• Prepare a charcoal grill or light the broiler. Cut larger tomatoes into 1-inch-thick slices or leave smaller ones whole. Place tomatoes on the hottest part of the grill and let them char for about 3 minutes on one side if using a broiler, or place tomatoes on a baking sheet as close to the flame as possible. Tomatoes should still be firm.
• Place tomatoes and eggs on a platter or divide among 4 plates. Sprinkle lightly with salt and spoon dressing over. Drape anchovy fillets over eggs and add a generous handful of bread crumbs. Garnish with basil, parsley and crushed red pepper.

CHARRED CHERRY TOMATOES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425°F.
• In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, cumin, honey, thyme, half the lemon zest, ¼ teaspoon salt, and several grinds of freshly ground pepper. Pour into a small rimmed baking dish and roast for 18 minutes. Turn the oven to broil and broil for 2 minutes, or until the tomatoes begin to char on top.
• In a small bowl, mix the yogurt with the remaining lemon zest and ¼ teaspoon salt.
• Spread the yogurt in a thin layer on a serving plate and top with the tomatoes. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and garnish with fresh thyme leaves and mint leaves. Season to taste and serve with crusty bread for dipping.

CHARRED CHERRY TOMATOES

Steps:

• Drizzle 1 Tablespoon olive oil over 2 pounds cherry tomatoes; sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon each kosher salt and black pepper. Grill in a hot cast-iron skillet 5 to 10 minutes or until charred and softened. Splash with red wine vinegar.

CHARRED TOMATOES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 160C/gas 3/fan 140C. Put a griddle pan or heavy cast iron frying pan (not non-stick) over a high flame and leave it to heat.
• Cut the tomatoes in half around the equator. Brush the cut surfaces with 1 tbsp of oil and place cut side-down on the hot griddle. Cook undisturbed for 1 minute, then take the pan off the heat.
• Transfer the tomatoes, cut side-up, to a shallow baking dish. Brush cut surfaces with the vinegar, then with about 2 tbsp of oil. Place a sliver or two of garlic on each tomato, and sprinkle with the sugar.
• Bake for about 1 hour until the tomatoes are deep brown and sticky-looking. Cool a little, then finish with a sprinkling of balsamic vinegar, extra oil and a scattering of basil. Serve warm or at room temperature.

GRILLED SAUSAGES WITH CHARRED TOMATO RELISH

Steps:

• Grill chiles and tomatoes directly on grates set over a campfire or on a medium-high grill, turning, until charred and softened, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Reserve tomatoes and 1 jalapeno for relish. (Reserve 2 jalapenos for a spicier relish.)
• Grill sausages directly on grates, turning, until cooked through, 12 to 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, chop charred tomatoes and reserved jalapeno; transfer to a bowl. Stir in garlic, vinegar, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Serve chiles and sausages with charred tomato relish, sandwiched with skillet breads.

CHARRED TOMATOES WITH FRIED EGGS ON GARLIC TOAST

Steps:

• Rub toasted bread with garlic and brush with oil. Heat oil in a large, heavy skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium heat. Crack eggs into skillet and cook, undisturbed, until whites are set, 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to a plate.
• Increase heat to medium-high. Brush cut sides of tomatoes with oil. Sear, cut sides down and undisturbed, until charred, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer 2 tomato halves to each piece of toast with a spatula and lightly mash. Season with salt and pepper and top with fried eggs.

CHARRED TOMATO SALSA

Steps:

• Position rack about 6 inches from broiler and preheat.
• In a shallow pan, char the tomatoes, turning once, until blackened and soft (about 20 minutes total) and cool.
• Core the tomatoes but do not peel, and chop coarsely.
• In a food processor, pulse together the tomatoes with any juice, the onion, garlic, tequila, lime juice, pepper and salt to desired smoothness.
• Taste and add additional salt if desired.
• Chill until ready to serve.
• Stir in cilantro just before serving.