Description
Delicate tomato confit blends Mediterranean charm with creamy whipped feta, creating a luxurious appetizer that whispers summer’s warmth. Crisp herbed crostini and silky cheese elevate this simple yet elegant dish for weekend gatherings or spontaneous entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 head garlic
- 2 dried chili peppers
- Several sprigs thyme
Liquid and Seasoning:
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
Herbs and Garnish:
- Several sprigs fresh herbs (optional, such as chives)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F, selecting a deep oven-safe dish that allows cherry tomatoes to nestle closely together.
- Arrange whole tomatoes in the dish, keeping vine-attached varieties intact for visual appeal.
- Introduce aromatic elements including whole garlic head, dried chili peppers, and fresh herbs, seasoning with a robust salt sprinkle.
- Drizzle high-quality olive oil across tomatoes, ensuring most are submerged while allowing some peaks to emerge above the liquid.
- Roast for 90 minutes, monitoring until tomatoes transform into soft, slightly wrinkled jewels infused with herbal and garlic essence.
- Extract from oven and permit confit to cool naturally, preserving its delicate texture.
- Combine feta, Greek yogurt, honey, chopped herbs, and salt in a food processor, blending vigorously for one minute.
- Pause periodically to scrape processor sides, ensuring a uniformly silky, aerated texture.
- Transfer whipped mixture to a chilled container, refrigerating for minimum 15 minutes to stabilize consistency.
- Elegantly spread whipped feta across serving plate, creating a creamy canvas.
- Delicately spoon warm tomato confit atop feta, including some infused herbal oil.
- Accent with fresh herb sprigs and accompany with rustic bread, crisp vegetables, or artisan crackers for an interactive dining experience.
Notes
- Choose ripe, plump cherry tomatoes for the most vibrant and intense flavor in the confit.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and ensure it barely covers the tomatoes to prevent sogginess.
- Experiment with different herb combinations like thyme, rosemary, or basil to customize the aromatic profile.
- Allow the whipped feta to chill completely for a smoother, more spreadable consistency that complements the warm tomato confit.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg