Basque Tomatoes Food

BASQUE TOMATO SALAD

Steps:

• Place tomatoes in a shallow serving dish. Arrange onion rings on top. Arrange green bell pepper rings on top of onions.
• Combine olive oil, cider vinegar, garlic, parsley, salt, sugar, and black pepper in a jar. Close jar tightly and shake vigorously until dressing is well-mixed. Pour dressing over tomatoes, onions, and peppers. Refrigerate until flavors combine, about 2 hours.

COD BASQUAISE

Steps:

• Season one side of the cod fillets with a pinch of salt, a pinch of espelette pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once oil is hot, arrange chorizo coins around the edge of the pan; then place the cod fillets, spiced side down, in the center. Sear the fillets until they are lightly golden on one side, about 30 seconds; then remove from the pan and set aside, spiced side up. Flip chorizo coins and continue to sear until they release some fat, 1 minute.
• Add 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Add sliced onions and peppers; stir, then season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper. Toss or stir to combine, then add a pinch of espelette pepper and a pinch of paprika. Stir and sweat until vegetables are soft but have taken on no color, 6-8 minutes.
• To the vegetables, add chopped garlic and 1 more tablespoon olive oil; toss and stir. Add the tomato paste and white wine, stir, and simmer for about 30 seconds. Add the sliced tomatoes. Continue simmering until the pan is nearly dry ("au sec"), 5-7 minutes. Add water, then nestle cod fillets into the vegetables, spiced side up. Reduce heat to low and poach the fish, uncovered, until cooked, 10-15 minutes.
• Cod is done when it's no longer translucent. Garnish the dish with parsley leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately.

BASQUE TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add ham; sauté until golden, about 8 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer ham to small bowl.
• Add 1 tablespoon oil to saucepan. Add onion, bell peppers, garlic, thyme and bay leaf. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover; simmer until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Add tomatoes and Sherry. Bring to simmer. Cover partially; simmer over medium heat until mixture thickens slightly, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Discard bay leaf. Stir in ham. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill. Bring to simmer before using).

BASQUE TOMATOES

Steps:

• Slice tomatoes and arrange in a shallow dish. Sprinkle with parsley.
• Combine remaining ingredients, except olives, drizzle over tomatoes.
• Garnish with olives.

BASQUE TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• In a 6-quart saucepot saute the garlic, onion, and green pepper in the oil until tender.
• Add the tomatoes, pureed chilies, and parsley and simmer until very tender.
• Add Beef Stock. Cover and simmer 1 hour.
• Uncover and simmer 1 hour more to reduce and thicken the sauce. Stir occasionally.
• Salt and pepper to taste.

BASQUE LAMB CHOPS WITH TOMATOES & OLIVES

Steps:

• Season chops with salt and pepper; dredge with flour.
• Heat oil in heavy skillet over medium-high until it starts to "shimmer".
• Add chops and cook 2 to 5 minutes on each side. Transfer to heated platter.
• Pour wine into skillet and scrape up brown bits. Stir in tomatoes and olives. Cook over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Spoon sauce over chops and serve.