Heirloom Tomato Salad

Chef Christopher Turano of Dine Restaurant, Crowne Plaza Metro prepares an heirloom tomato salad with charred scallion oil, ricotta salata, red Hawaiian sea salt and fresh basil.

Heirloom Tomatoes range in color from yellow, red, purple and green. All of those colors translate into different amounts of sugar, acid and water content.

Red Hawaiian sea salt is a little coarser than kosher salt, but it has almost a "pop rock" affect when you go to eat it because there are almost air pockets in the crystal. It gets its color from the elements in the sand, and clay.

The charred scallion oil is a nice addition to the salad because it lends a "cooked" flavor to the dish with out making it heavy. Using good and fruity extra virgin olive oil is important in bringing the "raw" and "cooked" flavors together.

Ricotta salata is a brined and dried version of the cheese that everyone uses in their lasagna. It has a salty flavor like parmesan, but still has a creamy texture and less of the funk.

This is a submission for the National Restaurant Association's Hot Chef Challenge. The winner gets a 60 minute cooking demonstration at the Chicago Restaurant Show, with almost 75,000 attendants.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

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[kturano0831]

With summer coming up, how can you go wrong with this beautiful salad, what's hot is all these great colors on one plate, so simple, so nice looking, can't wait to try it!!

[roshzach613]

That salad looks great. I cant wait to have some.

[Shellynn885]

wow looks good

[kfmckern]

This looks great! I cannot wait to come try it!!!

[loloknabe]

looks great!

[sunchild100]

Can't wait to make that salad at home! Looks so good!

[girl540]

Great job following all teh requirements for the contest!

[Layla1024]

You're very hot, I wish I knew you and saw you everyday. This video rocks!!

[stemiclin]

great mohawk

[toometal4you]

This is hotter than Tom Waits in a baby pool.

This video Rocks!

[Iknowthegerardway]

I can't stop watching this video.

Are you single?

Make me a salad!!!!

[moviegoddess13]

PICK THIS VIDEO!!!!!!

He is the only one that didn't have to edit and it is well thoughout for summer enjoyment!