Brazilian recipe
Classic Tomato and Basil Salad
This classic tomato and basil salad is a Brazilian household staple, celebrated for its minimal ingredients and refreshing, vibrant flavours.
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Ingredients
3 ripe tomatoes
1 tbsp coarse salt
Extra virgin olive oil to taste
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves to taste
1 tbsp coarse salt
Extra virgin olive oil to taste
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves to taste
Where to find ingredients
Ripe tomatoes can be found at any local wet market or supermarket like FairPrice or Cold Storage. For the best flavour, look for vine-ripened tomatoes. Coarse salt is easily available in the baking or spice aisle of any grocery store. Fresh basil is commonly sold in the herb section of major supermarkets, though if you're looking for larger quantities or specific varieties, you might find them at specialized organic grocers or boutique produce shops.
Preparation method
- Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and pat them dry
- Slice off the top of each tomato
- Place the tomato flat-side down on your cutting board
- Cut into the tomato crosswise and then diagonally to create 8 even wedges
- Place the tomato wedges into a colander or strainer set over a deep bowl
- Sprinkle the coarse salt over the wedges and toss well to ensure every piece is evenly coated
- Cover the bowl with cling film or a plate
- Refrigerate for 24 hours; this allows the tomatoes to drain while keeping their firm texture
- If you're short on time, let them drain for at least 30 minutes
- Remove from the fridge just before you are ready to serve
- Discard any liquid that has collected at the bottom of the bowl
- Give the wedges a gentle shake to remove any excess coarse salt
- Arrange the tomato wedges neatly on a serving platter
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with freshly cracked black pepper
- Scatter the fresh basil leaves over the top and serve immediately
Observations
In this dish, the tomato takes center stage. A quick salt-draining process helps improve the texture and concentrates the natural flavours, resulting in an aromatic side dish that's perfect for a light meal.
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