In his debut cookbook, “The Cook You Want To Be: Everyday Recipes to Impress” (Lorena Jones, $35), Bay Area resident and former editor of Bon Appetit Andy Baraghani shares his culinary wisdom on everything from salted fruit to Persian tahdig†
This simple dish is an example of the former (yes, tomatoes are fruit). It shows how garlic, flaky sea salt and other savory elements elevate summer’s bounty. The chili crisp can be made up to a week in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator.
Juicy Tomatoes With Italian Chili Crisp
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
4 oil-filled anchovies, drained
2 teaspoons fennel seeds, crushed or finely chopped
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 pounds heirloom tomatoes (any size), some sliced and some wedged, or small tomatoes (such as Sungold or cherry), some halved and some whole
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
1 cup basil leaves
Flaky sea salt
DIRECTIONS
In a small skillet over medium heat, combine the olive oil, garlic, and anchovies. Cook, stirring often, until the garlic is barely golden and crisp and the anchovies have melted, 3 to 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the fennel seeds and red pepper flakes.
Place the tomatoes on a large platter and drizzle with the vinegar. Spoon the chilli crispy over it and sprinkle the basil over it. Finish with plenty of salt and serve.
– Andy Baraghani, “The Cook You Want to Be: Everyday Recipes to Impress” (Lorena Jones, $35)
