prosciutto wrapped tomato

By TheCulinaryChase

The thought of entertaining can be intimidating for both the novice and the experienced. When I know I am having friends over, I generate a plan, cook ahead, stay within my limits and remember it is only a party – a time to have fun. Everybody loves a party where they can reconnect, celebrate and get away from the stresses of daily life. Entertaining is also about trying new things, new ideas and new techniques. Which brings me to this insanely delicious dish: prosciutto wrapped tomato.

Ingredients

• 2 tomatoes
• pinch or two of dried basil
• 4 to 6 slices of prosciutto, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 to 2 anchovy fillets, roughly chopped
• 1 to 2 teaspoons red chili pepper flakes
• fresh sage leaves
• 2 cloves of garlic, thickly sliced
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• bread crumbs

Preparation

Step 1

Use a sharp paring knife to core tomatoes. Make a small X mark on the bottom of the tomatoes. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Drop tomatoes into the boiling water and watch for their skins to start to wrinkle and split (up to 1 minute) remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to an ice water bath.

When cool enough to handle, use your fingers or a paring knife to peel back the tomato skins. Lightly dry tomatoes with paper towel. Sprinkle dried basil in the cored out section of the tomato. Take one slice of prosciutto and wrap it around the tomato. Use another slice to cover and mold with your hands. Cup the tomato in your hand and use a gentle force allowing the prosciutto to adhere to the flesh of the tomato. Depending on size of tomato, you may need to use another slice of prosciutto.

In a medium-sized frying pan over medium heat, add butter and olive oil. Allow butter to melt then add anchovy, chili flakes, garlic, and about 8 sage leaves (more if you like). Once the anchovy has dissolved, add tomatoes. Turn heat down to low, rotating tomatoes as the prosciutto starts to turn a golden brown. Baste with the butter/olive oil mixture.

To serve, on a small plate add a pinch or two of dried bread crumbs (this helps absorb the sauce) and place tomato on top. Garnish top of tomato with sage, garlic and spoon some of the butter/olive oil sauce on top. Add grated Parmesan and serve right away.

The Culinary Chase’s Note: I made this twice in two days it was so good! The first time I forgot to blanch and remove the tomato skins. The second time, with the skins removed, the flavor and texture was much nicer. When cooking the prosciutto wrapped tomatoes, a low heat is key as it gently cooks the garlic which releases an amazing aroma as well as a sweetness when eaten. Enjoy!