Author: Amy Riley

This Tomato and Burrata Salad with Basil Pesto is a refreshing and vibrant starter perfect for a spring dinner party! It combines the sweetness of ripe tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, and the fresh, aromatic flavours of basil pesto—making it a dish that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 6-8 ripe tomatoes (mix of heirloom, cherry, or beefsteak)
• 1-2 balls burrata cheese (or mozzarella if preferred)
• A handful of fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
• Olive oil (for drizzling)
• Sea salt and black pepper (to taste)

For the Basil Pesto:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/4 cup pine nuts (or almonds as a substitute)
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 clove garlic
• Juice of half a lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method:

1. Prepare the pesto – In a blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse until roughly chopped. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until everything is blended into a smooth, creamy pesto. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.
2. Slice the tomatoes – Slice your tomatoes into thick rounds or wedges, depending on your preference. If using cherry tomatoes, simply halve them. Arrange them neatly on a platter.
3. Add the burrata – Gently tear the burrata into pieces and arrange it on top of the tomatoes. The creamy, luscious cheese will melt slightly from the warmth of the tomatoes.
4. Drizzle the pesto – Spoon generous amounts of the basil pesto over the tomatoes and burrata. You can also serve the pesto on the side if preferred, allowing your guests to add as much as they like.
5. Season and garnish – Drizzle some olive oil over the salad and sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of green colour.
6. Serve – This salad is best served immediately, at room temperature, so the burrata remains soft and creamy.

You can’t go wrong with a fan favourite, and this warm, hearty tomato and basil pasta celebrates the fresh, vibrant flavours of spring! This is the perfect balance of juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and rich olive oil—simple, comforting, and full of springtime goodness.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 large ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes if fresh aren’t available)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
• 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favourite kind)
• Fresh parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)
• Extra fresh basil (for garnish)

Method:

1. Cook the pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set aside.
2. Make the tomato sauce – While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the tomatoes – Stir in the chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned crushed tomatoes). Let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with oregano, sugar (optional), salt, and pepper. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
4. Combine – Once the sauce has thickened and the flavours have melded together, stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, making sure the pasta is well-coated in the sauce. If needed, add a little more pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
5. Serve – Plate the pasta and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and extra basil for a burst of fresh flavour.

Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavours of spring with this homemade tomato juice—light, refreshing, and packed with nutrients! Perfect for a morning boost or a mid-day refresh.

Ingredients:

• 6 large ripe tomatoes (preferably fresh spring tomatoes)
• 1 small cucumber, peeled and chopped
• ½ red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
• 3-4 fresh basil leaves (or parsley for a different twist)
• ½ cup cold water (adjust for desired consistency)
• Ice cubes (for serving)

Method:

1. Prepare the tomatoes – Cut them into quarters and remove any tough stems. You can peel them if you prefer a smoother juice, but it’s optional!
2. Blend everything together – Add the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, celery, lemon juice, salt, pepper, cayenne (if using), and basil into a blender. Pour in the cold water to help with blending.
3. Blend until smooth – Process on high speed for about 1-2 minutes until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Strain (optional) – If you prefer a smoother juice, pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any pulp.
5. Chill & serve – Pour over ice cubes in a glass, garnish with a basil leaf or a celery stalk, and enjoy!

Spring has sprung!

If you’re looking for the perfect healthy and delicious spring dish, this tomato and basil bruschetta is the ideal dish for spring! Whether enjoyed as an appetiser or a light snack, this dish is a celebration of simple, seasonal ingredients at their best – Celebrate spring with this light and flavourful tomato dish!

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 baguette, sliced
• 2 tbsp butter or olive oil for toasting

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to (190°C. Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet.
2. Brush each slice with butter or olive oil and toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
3. In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste and let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavours to blend.
5. Spoon the tomato mixture onto the toasted baguette slices.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh taste of spring!

This Middle Eastern dish is hearty and flavourful, with tomatoes as the star ingredient. The combination of warm spices, rich tomato sauce, and soft, poached eggs is comforting and perfect for a cosy February brunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne (optional)
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4-6 eggs
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
• Crusty bread for serving

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Base

• Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes, until soft and translucent.
• Add the diced red bell pepper and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices

• Stir in the minced garlic, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, until the spices are fragrant.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Simmer

• Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, including the juices. Stir to combine.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Add the Eggs

• Use a spoon to make small wells in the tomato sauce, one for each egg.
• Crack an egg into each well. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 5-8 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain runny (or cook longer if you prefer fully set yolks).

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro.
• Serve hot with crusty bread or pita for dipping into the rich tomato sauce and runny eggs.

This simple, spicy Italian dish features crushed tomatoes, garlic, and red pepper flakes, creating a bold and vibrant sauce. The heat warms you up in winter, while the tangy tomato sauce clings beautifully to the pasta.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 lb spaghetti
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Parmesan cheese, grated

Method:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes).
• Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Arrabbiata Sauce

• While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
• Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
• Stir in 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference) and cook for 30 seconds to release the heat.
• Add the can of crushed tomatoes and stir well. Simmer the sauce for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Step 3: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

• Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
•  If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
•  Taste the sauce and season with salt as needed.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

• Divide the spaghetti arrabbiata into serving bowls.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of colour and flavour.
• Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
• Serve immediately with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.