Tomatoes in All Their Glory

posted by scooby 07-28-99 2:53 PM
Makes 4 to 6 side dish servings.
Tomatoes in All Their Glory

4 large vine-ripe red or yellow tomatoes
4 medium vine-ripe tomatoes
1 tablespoon sugar
2 medium unripe green tomatoes
2 eggs beaten
1/2 cup white flour
4 cups tender watercress
3 ounces soft goat cheese
32 cherry tomatoes
2 tablespoons flavorless cooking oil

Dressing:
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
6 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons thin soy sauce
1 tablespoon Asian chili sauce
2 tablespoons finely minced ginger
1 small garlic clove, finely minced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro sprigs


Advance Preparations: Cut each large tomato into 3 thick slices; set aside. Cut each medium vine-ripe tomato into 3 slices. Sprinkle the slices on both sides with a little sugar and set aside.

Cut each medium unripe tomato into 3 slices. Then dip each slice of the unripe tomatoes on both sides into the beaten egg and lightly coat them with flour.

Transfer to a wire rack and refrigerate.

Prepare the watercress and refrigerate. Crumble the goat cheese and refrigerate. Set aside the cherry tomatoes.

Dressing: In a small bowl, for the dressing combine the olive oil, vinegar, soy sauce, chili sauce, ginger,garlic and cilantro; refrigerate.

All advance preperation steps may be completed up to 8 hours before you begin the final steps.

Final Steps: Prepare a charcoal fire or heat a gas barbecue to medium or heat an indoor grill pan.

When hot, grill the medium vine-ripe tomatoes on both sides until lightly charred, then set aside temporarily.

Place a 12 inch saute pan over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the cooking oil. When the oil gives off just a wisp of smoke, fry the breaded tomato slices until golden on both sides. Then drain on a wire rack.

Place the large tomatoe slices on dinner plates. Add layers of grilled and breaded tomatoes,separated by sprigs of watercress. Scatter the cherry tomatoes around the edges of the large tomatoes.

Stir the salad dressing and drizzle over the tomatoes. Sprinkle on the goat cheese. Serve at once.

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