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Greek Yogurt with Tomato Jam, Toasted Pine Nuts, Calabrian Chili & Basil Oil

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Inactive Time: 2 hours
Servings: 4

Ingredients
 

For the tomato jam:

  • 4 ripe, but firm tomatoes-on-the-wine, halved (about 1 ½ pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 large shallot, minced
  • 1 large clove garlic, grated
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
  • Kosher salt

For the basil oil:

  • ½ cup packed basil leaves, about ¾ ounce
  • ½ cup grapeseed oil
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

To serve:

  • Whole-fat Greek yogurt
  • Calabrian chili paste
  • Toasted pine nuts
  • Flaky sea salt
  • Fresh basil leaves, torn

Instructions
 

  • Make the tomato jam. Hull the tomatoes, then rough chop and transfer them to a bowl along with any of the juices that accumulate on the cutting board; set aside.
  • In a medium-sized nonstick skillet, warm the oil over medium heat.
  • Add the shallot and garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until softened, for 1 ½ to 2 minutes.
  • Add the tomatoes and any juices, the sugar, vinegar and a generous pinch of salt, stir to combine and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring often and using the back of a wooden spoon to break up the tomatoes, until jammy, about 40 minutes. As the jam thickens, you may need to stir it more frequently.
  • Season with additional salt, as needed.
  • Transfer to a heat-resistant container and cool completely.
  • Make the basil oil. Using a high-powered blender, blend the basil and grapeseed oil on high until the basil is as pureed as possible.
  • Add the olive oil and blend on high until well combined.
  • Strain the mixture using a fine-mesh strainer and transfer to a storage container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, allowing the oil to come to room temperature before using. Shake before using.
  • To serve, swipe a very generous amount of the yogurt across a rimmed salad plate.
  • Top generously with tomato jam.
  • Scatter some dollops of the Calabrian chili paste over the jam.
  • Drizzle some basil oil over the top.
  • Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts evenly over the top.
  • Season with a sprinkling of flaky sea salt and garnish with basil leaves.
  • Serve with warm pita or focaccia.
Course: Appetizer
Author: Anthony Michael Contrino