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Smoky Tomato Sauce

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes about 3 1/2 cups

Ingredients

4 tomatoes, seeded and halved
2 unpeeled shallots, halved
3/4 cup olive oil
Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup reduced poaching liquid (from Wine-Poached Shrimp)
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
Freshly ground white pepper
1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Prepare a medium-hot fire (400°F) in a wood-fired grill. Or, if poaching the shrimp in an oven, cook the tomatoes and shallots there as well. Place them on a grate or a grill pan to mark and cook as directed.

    Step 2

    Combine the tomatoes, shallots, 3 tablespoons of the olive oil, salt, and the black pepper in a bowl and toss to coat. Grill the tomatoes and shallots, cut side down, for 15 minutes, or until they are softened and the skins have shriveled. Remove from the grill and spread on a baking sheet to cool to the touch. Remove the tomato skins and shallot peels, then chop the vegetables. Combine in a bowl along with any juices and set aside.

    Step 3

    Whisk the poaching liquid, lemon juice, and vinegar together in a bowl. Gradually whisk in the remaining 1/2 cup olive oil to make an emulsion. Stir into the tomato mixture and add salt and white pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped herbs. Set aside for 20 minutes for the flavors to come together. Serve as a dip for the shrimp.

Reprinted with permission from Wood-Fired Cooking: Techniques and Recipes for the Grill, Backyard Oven, Fireplace, and Campfire by Mary Karlin, copyright © 2009. Photography copyright © 2009 by Ed Anderson. Published by Ten Speed Press.
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