TABELIAAUTHENTIC RECIPE
Insalata di Pomodori alla SicilianaSicilian Tomato Salad
A Sicilian summer staple of ripe tomatoes layered with soaked red onion and dried oregano, then allowed to mingle with olive oil.
AUTHENTICITY SCORE
Authenticity Score
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Ingredients (4 servings)
- TomatoesFully ripe; cut into wedges.600 g
- Red onionSlice very thinly and soak in water.1 onion
- Dried oregano1 tsp
- Extra virgin olive oil50 ml
- Salt3 g
- Black peppera little
Method
Slice and soak the red onion
- 1 Slice half a red onion very thinly along the grain and begin soaking it in cold water.
Ready when
Proceed when all the onion is submerged.
Cut and salt the tomatoes
- 1 Meanwhile(While the onion soaks) Remove the stem ends from 600g tomatoes and cut into wedges 2–3cm wide.
- 2 Arrange on a large flat plate with their juices and sprinkle evenly with 3g salt.
Ready when
Proceed when the tomato surfaces begin to glisten slightly.
Layer the seasonings
- 1 Drain the red onion thoroughly and scatter over the tomatoes.
- 2 Sprinkle with 1 tsp dried oregano and black pepper, then drizzle with 50ml extra virgin olive oil.
Ready when
Proceed when the oil gives everything an even gloss.
Let the flavors mingle
- 1 Leave at room temperature for 10 minutes.
Ready when
The salad is ready when a thin layer of tomato juice and oil has collected on the plate and the oregano is fragrant.
About this dish
In the Sicilian summer, markets are piled with ripe tomatoes of every shape and size. Grown under intense sunshine, the island’s tomatoes have a concentrated flavor, and eating them raw has long been regarded as their finest preparation.
This salad, simply layered with red onion, dried oregano and olive oil, is essential to summer tables, from family lunches to seaside eateries. It is eaten daily as an accompaniment to grilled fish or meat, or as a light dish on a hot day.
On the island, the tomato juices and oil left on the plate are mopped up with bread. It remains an indispensable taste of a Sicilian summer, a dish that rests on the strength of its ingredients.
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