O, Woolworths, how I love thee! I went to Woolworths Food this past weekend in search of something (I can’t even remember what!) when I discovered boxes and boxes of the most beautiful, mixed tomatoes. I love tomatoes-they form the base of most salads and sauces and are so versatile that they can be served up from anything like a sweet jam to a savoury sauce or tart.
You can thus imagine my joy at purchasing a box of vine-ripened tomatoes, tiger-stripe tomatoes and yellow, green and pink tomatoes, each perfectly shaped and flawless. I immediately decided to continue celebrating summer with a tomato, basil and pea salad, with fresh mixed lettuce and basil from my garden. The end result was delicious- the sweetness of the tomato was complimented very well with the fresh basil (one of my favourite combinations) and off set by the acidity of the balsamic vinegar.
This recipe gives 3-4 large portions:
1 cup frozen peas, blanched and cooled
a large bunch of lettuce such as Boston, Romaine, Green and Red leaf lettuce
1/4 cucumber, thinly sliced and halved
1 cup, quartered or halved Tiger stripe and vine ripened tomatoes, tossed in salt and allowed to rest for 15 minutes
5-6 leafs fresh basil, finely chopped
3-4 sprigs chives, finely chopped
Parmesan shavings for garnish
Basil vinaigrette:
50 ml extra virgin olive oil
50 ml good quality balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons, fresh, finely chopped basil
Arrange the lettuce in a large bowl and add the peas and cucumber. Poor off any water that formed after tossing the tomatoes with salt, and add to the lettuce. Add the chives and basil, and toss lightly. Add the parmesan shavings and drizzle with the vinaigrette. Serve immediately.
Pepper, Spice and All Things Nice 