Savoury Tomatoes

Blackened Tomatoes with Capers is a unique and flavorful dish that combines the natural sweetness of tomatoes with the briny goodness of capers. This dish is known for its bold, smoky flavors and makes for a delightful appetizer or side dish. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating this culinary masterpiece and provide some useful tips to ensure your blackened tomatoes turn out perfectly.

INGREDIENTS:

• Large, solid tomatoes (allow 2 halves per person)
• Capers
• Celery salt
• Salt and pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preparing the Tomatoes:

1. Start by selecting large, solid tomatoes. These should be ripe but firm to ensure they hold their shape during cooking.
2. Cut each tomato in half horizontally. You’ll want two halves for each serving.
3. Arrange the tomato halves, cut-side up, in a shallow baking tin. Make sure they fit comfortably without crowding.

Adding the Capers:

1. The next step is to enhance the flavor of the tomatoes with capers. Using a small spoon, press capers into the spaces created by the tomato halves. The briny capers will infuse the tomatoes with a burst of savory goodness.

Seasoning the Tomatoes:

1. To achieve that signature blackened appearance and flavor, heavily dredge the exposed tops of the tomato halves with celery salt. This is a crucial step that will create the blackened crust during cooking.
2. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the tomatoes. The salt and pepper will complement the smoky flavors and enhance the overall taste.

Broiling the Tomatoes:

1. Place the prepared tomatoes under the flame of a gas oven. It’s essential to use a high flame setting to blacken the tops as quickly as possible without softening the tomatoes. Keep the oven door open during broiling to maintain high heat.
2. Monitor the tomatoes closely as they blacken. This should happen relatively quickly, usually within a few minutes. The goal is to achieve a blackened crust while retaining the tomato’s firmness.

Serving the Blackened Tomatoes with Capers:

1. Once the tops of the tomatoes are blackened to your satisfaction, remove them from the oven.
2. Carefully transfer the blackened tomato halves to serving plates. The contrast of the dark, smoky tops against the vibrant tomato flesh is visually striking.
3. You can serve these blackened tomatoes with capers as a unique appetizer, a flavorful side dish, or even as a topping for grilled meats or seafood.

TIPS FOR PERFECT BLACKENED TOMATOES WITH CAPERS:

• Tomato Selection: Choose large, solid tomatoes that are ripe but still firm. This ensures they hold their shape during broiling.
• High Heat: Use a high flame setting when broiling to quickly blacken the tops without softening the tomatoes.
• Watch Closely: Keep a close eye on the tomatoes as they blacken; the process happens rapidly.
• Experiment with Variations: Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings or toppings, such as fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil, to customize the flavors to your liking.

Blackened Tomatoes with Capers is a simple yet bold dish that celebrates the delicious contrast of flavors and textures. The smoky, blackened tops of the tomatoes beautifully complement the briny capers, creating a delightful culinary experience. By following the steps and tips provided, you’ll master the art of creating this impressive dish that will surely impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds. Enjoy the unique flavors of blackened tomatoes with capers!