Tangy tomato sandwiches

It has been so hot the past few days, of course the oppressive weather has not really hampered the beautiful produce from our garden. I have to thank my husband for the beautiful bounty that we enjoy for most of the year. He tends carefully to our little plot and of course ensures that I cook the fruits of his labor with care. I think that we are very blessed here in the New York area, since we do get to enjoy the beauty of the seasons a so much of nature's variety from local wines, cheese and several wonderful artisnal products.

Well, this weekend, I was presented with these two beautiful yellow tomatoes. This variety is called Golden Girl. I had stopped by at the Pleasantville farmers market and picked up some Goat Cheese from Rainbeau Ridge farms. Folks if you have not tried this stuff, please get yourself some right now, their Chevrelait rocks!

When you combine my love of local ingredients and produce with Indian spices, you get a New York variation of Indian food. A cuisine that is subtle and yet true to its essential core of light fresh ingredients, teased gently with spices.

These tomatoes are marinated gently with lemon, ginger and a light hint of red pepper. Goat cheese is gently layered between, two slices of these golden beauties and then the “sandwich” is baked for about 3-4 minutes and eaten by itself or as a side.

Tangy Tomato Sandwiches

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Serves 2-3 people

Ingredients

3 fresh yellow tomatoes

2 teaspoons peeled and freshly grated ginger

½ teaspoon salt

1 lemon sliced and seeded

½ teaspoon chat masala (a spice blend sold in most Indian stores)

2-3 tablespoons olive oil

4-6 ounces fresh goat cheese

¾ teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon, chopped cilantro

Method of Preparation

1. Slice the tomatoes in relatively even ¼ inch pieces.
2. Toss the tomatoes with the ginger, salt and squeeze in the lemon juice and set aside for 15 minutes.
3. Heat the oven to about 400 degrees.
4. Toss with the chat masala.
5. Place the tomatoes in a single layer on a well greased baking plate (this is what the olive oil is used for.
6. Cover with the goat cheese.
7. Top with another slice of tomato.
8. Place and bake in the oven for about 5 minutes.
9. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with cilantro and serve.

Rinku Bhattacharya loves working with local ingredients to create Indian inspired recipes. She also blogs at Cooking in Westchester (www.cookingwithrinku.blogspot.com) and teaches Indian cooking. Her classes are her way of sharing her love of food and reconnecting with her roots.