Heirloom Tomato Crudo with Tomato & Herb Sauce: A Fresh Taste of Childhood Memories

There's something magical about the simplicity and freshness of a Tomato Crudo. This recipe celebrates the natural, unadulterated flavor of ripe, juicy tomatoes, sliced thin and drizzled with high-quality olive oil, or in this case, a simple herby vinaigrette. A sprinkle of sea salt and a few fresh basil leaves elevate the dish, making it a perfect appetizer or side for warm summer days.

When I was a child, my dad and I would often sit in the backyard, savoring raw tomatoes sprinkled with a little salt. The simplicity of this snack, with its burst of fresh, juicy flavor, instilled in me a lifelong love for tomatoes. Those moments with my dad, sharing our mutual appreciation for this humble fruit, are some of my most cherished memories. Today, every time I prepare Tomato Crudo, I'm reminded of those happy times and the joy that fresh, wholesome food can bring.

Enjoy the simple yet exquisite flavors that remind you of the joy of eating fresh tomatoes with a sprinkle of salt, just like those cherished moments from your childhood with your dad.

This recipe not only highlights the beauty of fresh, ripe tomatoes but also brings back the fond memories of sharing simple, delicious snacks with loved ones.

Author:
Heirloom Tomato Crudo with Tomato & Herb Vinaigrette

Heirloom Tomato Crudo with Tomato & Herb Vinaigrette

An elevated fresh take on a favorite childhood memory

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe heirloom tomatoes
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley leaves, plus more for garnish
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Yogurt. In a bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon, cumin, and salt & pepper to taste. Spread a thin layer on a plate. This will serve as the start of this dish.
  2. Herb Sauce. In a food chopper or blender, combine olive oil, fresh basil leaves, fresh parsley leaves, garlic, and sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Pulse until you have a sauce (it will be chunky or keep pulsing for a very smooth consistency).
  3. Plating. Choose two ripe heirloom tomatoes, ideally of different colors for a visually stunning dish. Make sure they are firm yet yielding to the touch. Slice them about 1/4 inch thick. Arrange the slices in a single layer over the yogurt.
  4. Season the Tomatoes with salt and pepper (optional), and drizzle with the herb sauce. Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the tomatoes. The basil adds a fragrant and slightly peppery note that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
  5. Serve the Tomato Crudo immediately as a refreshing appetizer or side dish.

Notes

Variations:


  • For a touch of sweetness and acidity, drizzle a small amount of aged balsamic vinegar over the tomatoes.
  • Add slices of fresh mozzarella or burrata for a creamy, rich contrast to the juicy tomatoes.
  • Add some contrasting heat by adding dash of Aleppo pepper to the yogurt.
  • Include some cherry tomatoes for visual interest and contrast in shapes