Tomato Salad with Basil Cream Dressing

From The Vegetarian Option, Simon Hopkinson, Quadrille, 2012.

Simon Hopkinson’s book is interesting in that he, not a vegetarian, considers that there are vegetable dishes that in themselves are complete and perfect without the need for the addition of any meat. This book is his collection of those vegetarian dishes that meet that criterion: perfect without meat.

This was the most simple of dishes: Two tomatoes were sliced and laid out on a plate. The dressing was made and dribbled over.

The dressing was made by mixing cider vinegar, a little warm water and some salt. These were stirred until the salt had dissolved, when a touch of cream, some olive oil and a pinch of sugar were added. These were beaten until well mixed. Some chopped basil was added.

Obviously this dish depended on the tomatoes being richly flavoured and perfectly ripe. The dressing was tangy with a smooth richness from the addition of the cream, an ingredient I don’t usually add to dressing.

Taste: ✔✔✔✔

Ease of cooking: ✔✔✔✔