Rick Bayless is chef of Frontera Grill and Topolobampo in Chicago, creator of Frontera gourmet foods, cookbook author and host of Mexico - One Plate at a Time.

test

RICKMAIL - sign up for our email list From the Kitchen of Chef Rick Bayless

Salads and Dressings

Heirloom Tomato "Carpaccio" with Tomatillo Salad, Avocado and Fresh Herbs

Tiraditos de Jitomate con Ensalada de Tomate Verde, Avocado y Hierbas Frescas

Serves 6

Recipe from Season 6 of Mexico - One Plate at a Time

Ingredients

Dressing
3 garlic cloves, unpeeled
1/4 cup (lightly packed) cilantro leaves
2 1/2 tablespoons light vinegar (like cava or rice wine vinegar)
1/4 cup good-quality olive oil (or unrefined corn or peanut oil)
Freshly ground black pepper, usually about 1/4 teaspoon, plus addition for  the sliced tomatoes
Salt

Salad
About 1 cup thinly sliced red onion (preferably the long, skinny  "bottle" or tropea onions from the farmer's market) 
About 6 ounces tomatillos (preferably the small purple tomatillos - about 6 of them), cut into eighths (about 1 cup) 
About 6 ounces cherry tomatoes (preferably a mixture of red and yellow - about a dozen), cut in halves or quarters 
4 to 6 medium-size ripe heirloom tomatoes, cored and sliced 1/4-inch thick
1 medium-size ripe avocado, pitted, flesh scooped from the skin and diced into 1/2-inch pieces 
A generous tablespoon roughly chopped fresh herb (cilantro is an easy choice, but don't overlook basil, lemon balm, or anise hyssop - even arugula - or mixture of your favorites)

 

Directions

1.    Make the dressing.  In a small, ungreased skillet over medium heat, roast the unpeeled garlic, turning regularly, until soft and blotchy black in spots, 10 to 15 minutes.  Cool until handleable, then peel off the paper skin.  In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic, cilantro, vinegar, oil and pepper.  Process until smooth, then taste and season with salt, usually about 1/2 teaspoon.

2.    Make the tomatillo salad.  In a medium bowl, combine the onion, tomatillos and cherry tomatoes with 3 tablespoons of dressing. Let stand while finishing the salad, stirring from time to time.

3.    Finish the salad.  On a very large platter, lay out the sliced tomatoes in as close to a single layer as possible. 

Just before serving, dot the tomatoes with the avocado and sprinkle with the herbs and fresh-ground pepper (I like the pepper pretty coarse for the tomatoes).  Drizzle with the dressing, then pile the tomatillo salad in the center, and your impressive tomato salad is ready to serve.  

Recipes