Brazilian recipe
Classic Tomato and Basil Salad
This tomato and basil salad is a firm favourite in Brazilian homes, cherished for its vibrant freshness and the way it lets simple, quality ingredients shine.
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Ingredients
3 ripe tomatoes
1 tablespoon coarse salt
Olive oil, to taste
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves, to taste
1 tablespoon coarse salt
Olive oil, to taste
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves, to taste
Where to find ingredients
Find firm, ripe tomatoes at your local market or grocery store fresh produce section; opt for vine-ripened if available. Coarse salt, olive oil, and black pepper are standard pantry staples available at any supermarket. Fresh basil can often be found in the herb section of larger supermarkets or picked up from local vegetable markets in town.
Preparation method
- Give the tomatoes a thorough wash and pat them dry
- Slice off the tops of each tomato
- Place the tomatoes cut-side down on your chopping board
- Carefully make cross cuts and then another set in an x pattern to get 8 uniform wedges
- Set the tomato wedges in a sieve or colander placed over a bowl
- Scatter the coarse salt over the wedges and toss well so every piece is coated
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or place a small plate over the top
- Chill in the fridge for 24 hours so the tomatoes can drain and hold their shape perfectly
- If you're in a hurry, let them drain for at least 30 minutes before serving
- Take the bowl out of the fridge just as you're ready to eat
- Discard the liquid that has collected at the bottom of the bowl
- Give the wedges a gentle shake to remove any leftover bits of coarse salt
- Arrange the tomato wedges neatly on a serving dish
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with a crack of black pepper
- Scatter the fresh basil leaves over the top and serve immediately
Observations
The tomato is the star of this dish. By salting and draining the slices, we concentrate their natural sweetness and firm up the texture, creating a remarkably light and aromatic side that pairs perfectly with any meal.
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