Tomatoes were one of the things I enjoyed in Sicily, the area around Siracusa is famous for a variety of cherry tomato which are the sweetest tomatoes I’ve ever tasted. Back at home it’s harder to find the range of different varieties and flavours, but at least those picked straight from the vine are pretty good.
Simple Tomato Salad – Simply, tomatoes sliced or cut into chunks, seasoned with a little sea salt and pepper, with a drizzle of good extra virgin olive oil.
Tomato, Lentil and Pesto Soup – A great way to get some additional protein into little ones diets, and show off the delicious flavor of tomatoes. If I have fresh tomatoes then I use fresh, but otherwise its a can of tinned tomatoes. Cook a chopped onion until softened and translucent, add a handful of red lentils and cook for a little longer, then pour in the tomatoes (chopped if using fresh). Add a little stock, then simmer for 15 minutes. Whizz the soup in a blender and serve with a spoonful of pesto on top.
Roasted tomato and Pesto Tart – Cut some tomatoes in half, splash a little olive oil over them and season with salt and pepper. Put into a roasting tin and roast until softened and beginning to brown on top. Take some puff pastry and roll it out to a couple of millimetres thick, lightly score a border around your tart and prick the center of the pastry to ensure a crispy base. Bake in a hot oven for 20 minute, until lightly golden. Spread pesto on the pastry base, then top with the roasted tomatoes.
Catalan Tomato Bread – Pa amb tomàquet, is the classic breakfast from Catalunya, but is also a great snack. Simply toast a slice of sourdough (cooking on a griddle pan is even better), rub one side of the bread with a garlic clove, then rub with a cut tomato so the flesh and juice are absorbed by the bread. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top and sprinkle with sea salt before serving.
