Fast Roast Tomato Salad

video password: love [case sensitive]

fast roast tomato salad
serves 2

While it can be lovely to spend a few leisurely hours slow roasting tomatoes to concentrate their flavors, we don’t always have the time. If your tomatoes aren’t quite good enough to serve naked and raw but you’re in a hurry, this is a great alternative.

By starting the cooking process on the stove, we give the oven a chance to heat up to finish things off.

1 red bell pepper (capsicum)
1 punnet cherry tomatoes (250g / 9oz)
1-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
4 small balls bocconcini
small handful basil leaves

1.Preheat oven on the highest setting.

2. Place a medium oven-proof fry pan on a high heat. Meanwhile, chop pepper into bight sized strips and add to the pan with a generous drizzle of olive oil.

3. Add tomatoes to the pan and fry for about 3 minutes.

4. Transfer the whole pan to the hot oven and cook for about 10 minutes or until everything is sizzling and the tomatoes have stated to shrivel a little.

5. Remove form the oven and drizzle over balsamic. Tear bocconcini and add to the pan and finish with basil leaves. Serve warm, preferably eating out of the pan.

prepare ahead?

I like this best when eaten still warm from the pan when the cheese is oozy and lovely. You could cook the tomato and pepper in advance and reheat before adding the remaining ingredients.

leftover potential

Will keep in the fridge for a few days depending on how fresh your bocconcini were.

variations for fun

vegan / dairy-free – replace the cheese with chunks of silken tofu or a drained can of cannellini or other white beans.

higher protein – add in a can of drained chickpeas just before popping the pan in the oven.

carnivore – skip the cheese and crumble a couple of good quality pork sausages into the pan at the beginning with the peppers.

problem solving guide

can’t find bocconcini? – It’s also called fresh mozzarella. Don’t be temted to replace with rubbery supermarket mozzarella. Instead explore another cheese such as a good soft goats cheese or a salty feta.

bland – some tomatoes will need a little extra kick. Be sure to season generously with salt and possibly a little sugar to help things along. More balsamic can help as well.

serving suggestions

I love it as a simple meal on its own. Bread eaters may enjoy some crusty sourdough to mop up the juices.

It also makes a lovely shared starter.

____________________________

back to Quick Vegetarian Cooking overview