Heirloom Tomatoes With Herbed Orzo Salad Recipes

HEIRLOOM TOMATOES WITH HERBED RICOTTA

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, scallions, dill, chives, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and set aside for up to 30 minutes.
• With a small serrated knife, cut the larger tomatoes in wedges through the stem and the smaller tomatoes in half through the stem. Place them in a medium bowl with the garlic, olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and set aside.
• When ready to serve, add the basil to the tomatoes and combine. Pile the ricotta in a large (12-inch) round shallow bowl or oval platter. Using a slotted spoon, place the tomatoes around the ricotta, discarding any liquid. Drizzle the tomatoes and ricotta with olive oil, sprinkle with the reserved basil and fleur de sel, and serve at room temperature.
• Set a fine-mesh sieve over a deep bowl. Dampen 2 pieces of cheesecloth with water and line the sieve with a double layer of the cheesecloth.
• Pour the milk and cream into a medium stainless-steel or enameled pot, such as Le Creuset, and stir in the salt. Bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and pour in the vinegar. Allow the mixture to stand for one minute, until it curdles. It will separate into thick parts (the curds) and milky parts (the whey).
• Pour the mixture into the cheesecloth-lined sieve and allow it to drain into the bowl at room temperature for 20 minutes (for soft ricotta) to 25 minutes (for firmer ricotta), occasionally discarding the liquid that collects in the bowl. Transfer the ricotta to a bowl, discarding the cheesecloth and any remaining liquid. Use immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The ricotta will keep, refrigerated, for 4 to 5 days.

HEIRLOOM TOMATO AND HERB SALAD

Steps:

• Arrange tomatoes on a platter. Season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with oil. Drizzle herbs with oil and vinegar, and season with salt and pepper; toss to coat. Sprinkle herbs over tomatoes. Serve immediately.

HEIRLOOM TOMATOES WITH HERBED ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• In a large pot, bring water and salt to a rapid boil. Add orzo and stir well.
• While orzo is cooking, drizzle a sheet pan with olive oil.
• After 9 minutes, drain the orzo using a fine mesh strainer. Spread the orzo evenly over the sheet pan to cool.
• Once cool, transfer orzo to a large bowl and add the feta, mint, dill, basil and red pepper flakes. Mix and add salt and pepper to taste.
• Thickly slice each tomato into thirds.
• Top with orzo salad and enjoy!

ORZO SALAD WITH HEIRLOOM TOMATOES AND HERBS

Steps:

• Cook orzo in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain. Rinse under cold water; drain well. Transfer to medium bowl; cool.
• Whisk vinegar and lemon juice in small bowl; gradually whisk in oil. Pour dressing over orzo. Mix in remaining ingredients. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature. Stir before serving.)

HEIRLOOM TOMATO SALAD

Steps:

• Start with the vinaigrette to give the flavors time to blend. In a small bowl, whisk together the shallots, garlic, both mustards, honey, and vinegar.
• Once the ingredients are fully combined, slowly pour in the olive oil while continuously mixing the vinaigrette to emulsify.
• Set aside the vinaigrette. Tip: You can store the vinaigrette in the refrigerator for up to 1 week; you won't need to use all of it for the recipe.
• Slice the larger heirloom tomatoes and quarter or chop the remaining tomatoes to create various sizes and textures on the plate. Arrange the tomatoes on a platter. Tip: Never keep tomatoes in the refrigerator. Doing so will take away flavor and aroma from the tomato, and leave you with an inferior product. Instead, store tomatoes at room temperature.
• Hand crumble the goat cheese and dot the tomatoes.
• Strip the thyme leaves from the stems and sprinkle liberally over the platter.
• Spoon a small amount of the vinaigrette over the platter and serve.