Best Tomato Essence Recipes

TOMATO ESSENCE AND TIMBALE OF PRESSED TOMATOES

Steps:

• Make the tomato essence: In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, celery, shallot, fennel, thyme, tarragon, 4 tablespoons basil, garlic clove, 1 tablespoon salt, cayenne, Worcestershire, and hot-pepper sauce. Cover, and marinate 4 hours.
• Transfer to bowl of food processor; pulse to combine, about 5 seconds. Do not overblend. Drape two 14-inch squares of cheesecloth over a deep bowl or stockpot, and transfer mixture to the cheesecloth. Tie ends together tightly, and suspend over bowl to catch juices, preferably overnight. Transfer juices to an airtight container, and store in refrigerator until needed, up to 1 day. Discard contents in cheesecloth.
• Make the timbales: Fill a medium saucepan halfway with water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Score an X in the bottom of each large tomato; place in boiling water for 10 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon, and let cool slightly. Use a paring knife to gently remove skins and cut flesh into petals by following the shape of the tomato from top to bottom. You should have four petals from each tomato for a total of sixteen; set aside.
• Remove and discard seeds from core of tomatoes, and dice remaining flesh. Combine diced tomatoes in a small bowl with remaining 1/2 garlic clove, 2 tablespoons chopped basil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and balsamic vinegar; set aside. Using a 2-inch round cutter, cut out eight circles from eight petals, and place one each in the bottom of four sterilized 4-ounce jelly jars, presentation side down. Set aside remaining four circles. Dice the scraps, and add to the marinating diced mixture.
• Fit two of eight remaining petals to line sides of each jar, overlapping slightly to cover. Place 4 to 5 tablespoons diced tomato mixture in each jar to fill, and place one of the reserved circles on top. Press down lid; screw on ring lid. Place in refrigerator 1 hour or overnight.
• In a small bowl, whisk water, sherry vinegar, sugar, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Set aside.
• Cut off ends of zucchini and eggplant. Use a paring knife to slice lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick strips; cut each strip into 1-inch squares. In a medium saute pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add eggplant skin side down; cook 30 seconds. Add zucchini skin side down, and cook 1 minute on each side. Pour sherry-vinegar solution into pan, and remove from heat.
• Remove jars from refrigerator; run the tip of a paring knife around the inside of each jar to loosen, and unmold. Place a timbale in the center of each of four chilled bowls. Surround with eggplant and zucchini. Ladle tomato essence around bowl; drizzle with olive oil. Place a scoop of sorbet on each timbale, and garnish with basil. Serve immediately.

SPICED CODFISH WITH ROASTED EGGPLANT PUREE AND TOMATO ESSENCE WITH CURRY ONION RINGS

Steps:

• Eggplant Puree: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Rub eggplants with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Place on a baking sheet and roast in the oven until soft, about 20 to 25 minutes. Using a spoon, remove the flesh of the eggplants and put into the bowl of a food processor. Add the garlic, cilantro, lemon juice, tahini and 1/4 cup of the olive oil and process to a smooth consistency. Pass through a chinois into a bowl and season with salt and pepper.
• Tomato-Fennel Essence: Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until soft. Add the fennel and cook for 2 minutes. Increase heat to high, add the wine and the tomato juice and cook until reduced by half. Add the parsley, lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
• Codfish: Whisk together the harissa, lemon juice and olive oil in a small bowl. Place the cod in a medium shallow baking dish. Pour the marinade over and turn to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Preheat broiler. Remove cod from marinade and season on both sides with salt and pepper and place on a baking sheet. Broil on each side for 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
• Curry Onion Rings: 2 cups flour 2 tablespoons Madras curry powder Salt 3 large onions, sliced thinly
• Combine flour, curry powder and salt in a bowl and mix well. Toss onions in the flour mixture. Fry until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel lined plate.

TOMATO ESSENCE

Steps:

• Puree tomatoes and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a blender until smooth, about 1 minute. Line a colander with 4 layers of dampened cheesecloth and set over a deep pot. Pour tomato puree into colander, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate, stirring occasionally, until 1 to 2 cups tomato water have dripped into pot, about 1 day. Season with salt, if desired.

TOMATO AND MANGO SALAD WITH CHILES AND TOMATO ESSENCE

Steps:

• Peel mango and cut flesh from pit; discard pit. Cut flesh lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices. Toss with cucumber, tomatoes, chile, chopped basil, and oil. Season with salt and divide salad among 4 bowls. Divide tomato essence among bowls, garnish with remaining basil, and drizzle with more oil.