Tomato Basil Salsa Food

TOMATO AND BASIL SAUCE - SALSA DI POMODORO E BASILICO

Steps:

• If using fresh tomatoes, core them, cut them into coarse chunks, and puree them in a food processor, blender, or food mill until smooth. Strain the flesh of canned tomatoes through a fine sieve, to remove skins and seeds. Set aside.
• Heat the olive oil in a large pot, and cook the onion over a medium heat, stirring, until soft.
• Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft. Do not let the garlic brown, or an acid taste will be imparted in the sauce.
• Add the remaining ingredients, reduce the heat to low, and simmer until thickened, about 15 minutes.

ROASTED TOMATO AND BASIL SALSA

Steps:

• Heat oven to 325F degrees.
• Combine all ingredients in large ovenproof skillet.
• Bake until tomatoes and garlic are very soft, 1 hour.
• Cool 10 minutes.
• Coarsley chop tomatoes and garlic mixture.
• Transfer to a serving bowl.
• Serve with tostitos or foccacia.

FRESH BASIL TOMATO SALSA

Steps:

• Slice the tomatoes in half lengthwise. Remove and discard the seeds and pulp. Chop the tomatoes into small pieces and place them in a large bowl.
• Stack 3-4 basil leaves on top of each other. Roll them up from one of the long sides, then slice through the roll horizontally with a knife. Run your knife once or twice through these ribbons of basil, then add them to the bowl. Repeat with the rest of the basil leaves.
• Finely mince the garlic cloves by hand or in a food processor, and add them to the bowl. Add in the oil, salt, and pepper. Gently toss the ingredients together.
• The salsa can be served immediately or allowed to sit at room temperature for about 1 hour for the flavors to meld.
• Serve the salsa with tortilla or pita chips. It can also be served on bite-sized pieces of artisan sourdough or white bread-if desired, sprinkle a little mozzarella or grated Parmesan cheese over the tops and place them under the broiler for about a minute, then serve them immediately.
• Makes about 4 cups of salsa

GRILLED SWORDFISH AND FIDDLEHEADS WITH TOMATO BASIL SALSA

Steps:

• To marinate the fish: Microwave the limes in a small bowl to release the essential oils. Set limes aside until just cool enough to handle. Through the feed opening of a running blender, add 1 at a time, garlic, ginger, vinegar, soy sauce, and scallions. Then, leaving the blender running, squeeze in the juice from the microwaved limes. Place the swordfish in a nonreactive container and pour the marinade over. Cover and refrigerate for 6 to 8 hours.
• To marinate the fiddleheads: Place the fiddleheads in a nonreactive bowl. Make the vinaigrette, by adding, 1 at a time, through the feed opening of a running blender the vinegar, garlic, and Dijon mustard. Then, leaving the blender running, add the olive oil in a slow thin stream. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and pour over the ferns. Cover and let sit in the refrigerator for about 6 hours. (Marinating them this way is an alternative to cooking them.)
• Make the salsa while you are heating the grill for the fish. Whisk together the soy sauce and balsamic vinegar in a bowl and add the olive oil in a slow thin stream while continuing to whisk. Chop the basil leaves and add to the bowl along with the tomatoes, shallots, and scallions. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. (Be sure to taste before seasoning, because the soy is likely to lend saltiness.)
• Brush the marinated fish with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the fish, leaving each side undisturbed for the first few minutes to prevent tearing of the flesh. Let rest, then transfer to a cutting board and carve into slices.
• Place some salsa in the middle of a serving dish, top with sliced fish and garnish with marinated fiddleheads.

ULTIMATE TOMATO SALSA

Steps:

• Combine the tomatoes, red onion, garlic, white wine vinegar, lime juice and coriander in a bowl. Stir, then refrigerate until ready to serve.

GRILLED HALIBUT WITH TOMATO-BASIL SALSA

Steps:

• In a non-reactive bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper.
• Add the tomatoes and basil, stirring gently to combine. Set aside while you cook the fish.
• Preheat your grill to medium high.
• If your fish has skin on it, season the flesh side with salt and pepper. If it has no skin, place the fish on a folded piece of aluminum foil, large enough to hold the fish in one flat layer, coated with cooking spray. Season with salt and pepper.
• Place the fish on the grill, skin/foil side down. Cook until the fish flakes with a fork, or is barely opaque in the middle. It should still look a little wet in the center.
• Remove the flesh from the skin (I just leave the skin on the grill and burn it off) or the foil, and place on a serving platter. Stir the salsa, then drizzle over the fish. Serve immediately.