Mixed Cherry Tomatoes With Tamarind Dressing Food

MIXED CHERRY TOMATOES WITH TAMARIND DRESSING

Steps:

• Toast cumin and fennel seeds then coarsely crush using a mortar and pestle or an electric coffee/spice grinder.
• Whisk tamarind concentrate into hot water until dissolved, then whisk in honey (to taste), oil, salt, and pepper until blended.
• Add tomatoes and spices and toss to coat. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour, then season with salt.
• *Available at ethnic markets and Kalustyan's (212-685-3451).

CHERRY TOMATO SALAD

Steps:

• In a big bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, green olives, back olives, and spring onion.
• In a dry skillet, toast pine nuts over medium heat until golden brown, turning frequently. Stir into tomato mixture.
• In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, and oregano. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour over salad, and gently stir to coat. Chill for 1 hour.

CHERRY TOMATOES WITH TAMARIND DRESSING

Steps:

• Toast cumin and fennel seeds then coarsely crush using a mortar and pestle.
• Whisk tamarind concentrate into hot water until dissolved, then whisk in honey (to taste), oil, salt, and pepper until blended. Add tomatoes and toasted seeds and toss to coat. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour, then season with salt to taste. (We found if it sat many more hours in the fridge it was not to our tastes at all because the fennel flavour became stronger.).

CHERRY TOMATOES WITH GINGER DRESSING

Steps:

• Peel rind thinly from lemon using a vegetable peeler.
• Cut rind into thin strips.
• Combine rind and juice in small pan.
• Boil, covered for 2 minutes.
• Peel and cut ginger into wafer thin slices.
• Cut slices into thin strips.
• Combine rind mixture, ginger and remaining ingredients in a bowl.
• Mix well.
• Serve.

CHERRY TOMATO AND FETA SALAD

Steps:

• Halve 3 ounces of cherry tomatoes and mix with 1 ounce crumbled low-fat feta cheese. Dress with 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar and 1 teaspoon olive oil; season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with fresh oregano.

HERBY TOMATO SALAD WITH TAMARIND-MAPLE DRESSING

Steps:

• Start the salad: Cut the tomatoes into different shapes - this creates different textures and visual interest - and place them in a colander. Sprinkle with a big pinch of salt, and set in the sink to drain as you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
• Place a strainer over a heatproof bowl. Line a baking sheet or large plate with paper towels.
• Prepare the fried shallots: Add the oil and shallots to a medium saucepan, and place over low heat. Bring the oil to a simmer, stirring the shallots with a fork to separate the rings. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the shallots are light golden brown, watching them closely, as they will brown quickly toward the end of their cooking. (Don't let the shallots brown too much, as they will continue to cook after you take them out of the oil.)
• Remove the shallots to the strainer to drain, then transfer them to the paper towels. Season with salt and allow to cool. Reserve the oil. Shallots can be fried 5 days ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Prepare the dressing: Whisk together all the ingredients.
• Assemble the salad: Combine the tomatoes, two-thirds of the herbs and scallions, and half the dressing. Season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine. To finish, top with the remaining dressing, a drizzle of the shallot cooking oil and the rest of the herbs and scallions, then finally with the fried shallots. (Reserve remaining shallot oil for other uses, like vinaigrettes, stir-fries and soups.)