Herby Tomato Salad With Tamarind Maple Dressing Recipes

HERBY TOMATO SALAD WITH TAMARIND-MAPLE DRESSING

Steps:

• Start the salad: Cut the tomatoes into different shapes - this creates different textures and visual interest - and place them in a colander. Sprinkle with a big pinch of salt, and set in the sink to drain as you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
• Place a strainer over a heatproof bowl. Line a baking sheet or large plate with paper towels.
• Prepare the fried shallots: Add the oil and shallots to a medium saucepan, and place over low heat. Bring the oil to a simmer, stirring the shallots with a fork to separate the rings. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the shallots are light golden brown, watching them closely, as they will brown quickly toward the end of their cooking. (Don't let the shallots brown too much, as they will continue to cook after you take them out of the oil.)
• Remove the shallots to the strainer to drain, then transfer them to the paper towels. Season with salt and allow to cool. Reserve the oil. Shallots can be fried 5 days ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Prepare the dressing: Whisk together all the ingredients.
• Assemble the salad: Combine the tomatoes, two-thirds of the herbs and scallions, and half the dressing. Season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine. To finish, top with the remaining dressing, a drizzle of the shallot cooking oil and the rest of the herbs and scallions, then finally with the fried shallots. (Reserve remaining shallot oil for other uses, like vinaigrettes, stir-fries and soups.)

MARINATED TOMATO SALAD WITH HERBS

Steps:

• Cut the tomatoes into 4 wedges, then cut the wedges in half and add to a bowl. Lop off the tops of the green onions, then slice the white and mostly light green parts really thin. Add to the tomatoes.
• Add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, dash of salt and pepper to a jar. Screw on the lid and shake to combine. Pour the dressing over the tomatoes and toss.
• Add the herbs and gently toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving.

HERBY SALAD WITH BURRATA

Steps:

• For the basil vinaigrette: Add the olive oil, lemon juice, basil and shallot to the carafe of a blender. Blend until the shallot is broken down and the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Blend once more to combine the seasonings. Transfer to a serving vessel alongside the salad.
• For the salad: Add the arugula to a large serving platter. Sprinkle with the chives, mint and parsley. Then sprinkle with the lemon zest and peas. Distribute the burrata evenly on top. Sprinkle with the flaky salt and serve with the basil vinaigrette on the side.

TOMATO AND HERB SALAD

Steps:

• In small bowl, beat dressing ingredients with wire whisk until well blended.
• On large platter, arrange tomatoes and onion. Drizzle dressing over tomatoes and onion. Sprinkle with basil, parsley and oregano.

MAPLE SALAD DRESSING

Steps:

• Blend maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, dry mustard, salt, basil, and black pepper in a blender until smooth; stream olive oil into the mixture while blending and continue blending until dressing is thick and creamy.

MIXED CHERRY TOMATOES WITH TAMARIND DRESSING

Steps:

• Toast cumin and fennel seeds then coarsely crush using a mortar and pestle or an electric coffee/spice grinder.
• Whisk tamarind concentrate into hot water until dissolved, then whisk in honey (to taste), oil, salt, and pepper until blended.
• Add tomatoes and spices and toss to coat. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour, then season with salt.
• *Available at ethnic markets and Kalustyan's (212-685-3451).

HERBY AUBERGINE & TOMATO SALAD

Steps:

• Tip the aubergine into a colander, sprinkle all over with salt, then place a plate or bowl on top and weight down with a can. Leave for 30 mins, until some of the juices have run out. Meanwhile, make the dressing by mixing all the ingredients together and set aside.
• Squeeze any excess juices from the aubergines and brush away the salt. Heat the olive oil in a heavy-based pan and gently fry the aubergine pieces until they are golden brown on both sides. As they absorb the oil quickly, it is important to fry them over a low heat, so that they soften and turn golden without needing to add more olive oil.
• Tip the aubergine chunks into a shallow bowl and keep warm. Quickly toss the cherry tomatoes around the pan to soften and lightly blister, then add them to the bowl. Add the fresh herbs and pour over the dressing. Toss gently and serve.

CHERRY TOMATOES WITH TAMARIND DRESSING

Steps:

• Toast cumin and fennel seeds then coarsely crush using a mortar and pestle.
• Whisk tamarind concentrate into hot water until dissolved, then whisk in honey (to taste), oil, salt, and pepper until blended. Add tomatoes and toasted seeds and toss to coat. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour, then season with salt to taste. (We found if it sat many more hours in the fridge it was not to our tastes at all because the fennel flavour became stronger.).