Tomato Tartare: An Easy Appetizer with Mutti Tomatoes

An innovative combination of finely chopped canned tomatoes and feta cheese, this tomato tartare makes a beautiful and delicious first course or appetizer. As the star ingredient, the quality of the canned tomatoes really matters. Mutti tomatoes are renowned for their consistently great taste: each tomato remains remarkably fresh tasting, fragrant and naturally sweet. At every step in the process, the company obsesses over quality, from the best seeds, the best farmers and the richest soil to the most exhaustive sorting and an incredibly delicate preservation process.

Ingredients for 4 people

• 1 14-ounce can of Mutti finely chopped tomatoes (or polpa)
• 2 tablespoons small capers (drained, if in brine; rinsed if salt-packed)
• 2 tablespoons black olives (such as Kalamata or Taggiasca)
• 4 thick slices of Pecorino cheese
• 5 ounces feta cheese, cut in large cubes
• 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup basil leaves
• 1/3 cup parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Parmesan crisps and balsamic vinegar (for garnish)

How to make Tomato Tartare

1. Prepare the tartare. Pour the entire can of tomatoes into a fine strainer and let drain for at least 6 hours or overnight. Finely chop the capers, olives, basil and parsley and mix together with the drained tomatoes and olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste.
2. Assemble. Using a round form, create four disks from the sliced cheese. Next, using the form, top the cheese with the tomato mixture. Top with a cube of feta cheese and decorate with crispy Parmesan (if desired), capers and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Tips

Start with quality tomatoes

As the star ingredient, the quality of the canned tomatoes really matters. Drain them for at least 6 hours or overnight.