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August Food Festival: Tomatoes

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AUGUST FOOD FESTIVAL: TOMATOES

Fresh Vine Tomatoes from this season's bounty at Katchkie Farm

Each month, our Great Performances menus feature seasonal ingredients. It’s our way of celebrating the earth and bringing our special touch to every menu.

Tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene. Lycopene is a carotenoid, a pigment that contributes the red and pink colors of tomatoes, pink grapefruit, watermelon, guava and other fruits. Lycopene is also an antioxidant linked to potential health benefits. Prepare tomatoes with a heart-healthy source of fat like olive oil or avocado to increase absorption of lycopene.

Juicy tomatoes not only provide vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, but they also contribute to hydration. Tomatoes are about 95% water. Eat more vegetables and fruit to support hydration.

Our Executive Chef of Catering Operations, Mike Deuel, shared his very own Onion and Tomato Curtido Salad recipe.

Onion and Tomato Curtido Salad

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

  • 2 small red onions
  • Juice of 3 limes
  • 1 tablespoon oil (light olive oil or avocado oil)
  • 4 large heirloom tomatoes (we like to mix heirloom varieties for the color)
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon salt + more to adjust taste

Procedure

1. Slice the red onions very thinly using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon salt and rub into the onions. Cover the onions with cold water and rinse well until the salt is removed. If the onions are very strong, let them rest in the water for 5-10 minutes.
2. Drain the onions and place in a bowl, add the lime juice and a sprinkle of salt, and let rest until the onions start to turn pinkish, about 5-10 minutes.
3. Thinly slice or dice the tomatoes and add to the onion curtido mix. Add the oil and the chopped cilantro. Mix well, taste and add additional salt to taste if needed.

Notes
Curtido variations can also include thinly sliced carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, radishes, etc. To turn this curtido into a complete salad, serve over chopped lettuce or salad greens and add avocado slices.

Katchkie Farm in Kinderhook, NY is dear to our hearts, not only because that is our local, organic farm; but because it allows us to educate children on food and where it comes from via the Sylvia Center. Katchkie Farm has recently become one of our wedding venues.