Grilled Heirloom Tomato Ricotta And Bocconcini Flatbread Recipes

HEIRLOOM TOMATOES WITH HERBED RICOTTA

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, scallions, dill, chives, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and set aside for up to 30 minutes.
• With a small serrated knife, cut the larger tomatoes in wedges through the stem and the smaller tomatoes in half through the stem. Place them in a medium bowl with the garlic, olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and set aside.
• When ready to serve, add the basil to the tomatoes and combine. Pile the ricotta in a large (12-inch) round shallow bowl or oval platter. Using a slotted spoon, place the tomatoes around the ricotta, discarding any liquid. Drizzle the tomatoes and ricotta with olive oil, sprinkle with the reserved basil and fleur de sel, and serve at room temperature.
• Set a fine-mesh sieve over a deep bowl. Dampen 2 pieces of cheesecloth with water and line the sieve with a double layer of the cheesecloth.
• Pour the milk and cream into a medium stainless-steel or enameled pot, such as Le Creuset, and stir in the salt. Bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and pour in the vinegar. Allow the mixture to stand for one minute, until it curdles. It will separate into thick parts (the curds) and milky parts (the whey).
• Pour the mixture into the cheesecloth-lined sieve and allow it to drain into the bowl at room temperature for 20 minutes (for soft ricotta) to 25 minutes (for firmer ricotta), occasionally discarding the liquid that collects in the bowl. Transfer the ricotta to a bowl, discarding the cheesecloth and any remaining liquid. Use immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The ricotta will keep, refrigerated, for 4 to 5 days.

GRILLED FLATBREAD WITH RICOTTA CHEESE, FRESH TOMATOES, OREGANO AND ROASTED GARLIC OIL

Steps:

• Roasted Garlic Oil:
• Place oil and garlic in a blender and blend until smooth. Strain.
• Flatbread:
• Mix water and yeast in a large bowl and let stand 5 minutes to proof. Gradually pour in 2 cups of the flour and stir to incorporate. Mix for about 1 minute to form a sponge. Let stand, covered, for at least an hour.
• Put sponge in the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the dough hook, add the salt and oil, then add the flour, 1/2 cup at a time, to form a dough. Remove from bowl and knead. Place in a clean oiled bowl and let rise, slowly, about 2 1/2 hours. Divide dough into 4 balls, if desired, let rise again for 1/2 hour, and then roll out as desired.
• Flatten flatbread dough, gently press into a large rectangle, brush liberally with olive oil, and throw on grill. Grill on both sides until golden brown. Spread 1 side with ricotta, sprinkle with salt and pepper, scatter tomatoes over, drizzle with Roasted Garlic Oil, and garnish with basil and more freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.
• Yield: 4 individual flatbreads or 1 large flatbread

GRILLED HEIRLOOM TOMATO, RICOTTA, AND BOCCONCINI FLATBREAD

Steps:

• Using a mortal and pestal or a mulling stick, mix the oil and garlic together well. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Brush over the flatbread rounds, both sides.
• Spread the Ricotta cheese on each bread round and continue to layer the tomato, bocconcini (baby fresh mozzarella balls), and basil leaves on the pizza. I prefer to use two colors of tomato for a variety of color and taste.
• Cook on a hot grill for about 3-4 minutes. I like to place aluminum foil under the bread rounds and close the grill to help with the cooking process on both sides.
• Cut into pieces and garnish with some shavings of fresh Parmesan Cheese.

GRILLED TOMATOES WITH SCALLIONS, CHIVES AND RICOTTA

Steps:

• Preheat the grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat.
• In a large serving bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of the olive oil with the vinegar, garlic, lime zest and juice. Taste for seasoning.
• Arrange the tomatoes, cut side-up, with the scallions and thyme in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle the remaining 4 to 5 tablespoons olive oil over all and sprinkle with salt. Place the tomatoes, cut side-up, and the scallions and thyme on a hot part of the grill and cook for 2 minutes. Flip the scallions and thyme and gently flip the tomatoes onto the cut sides. Place the chives on the grill near the scallions. Cook until tender and lightly charred, an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
• Remove the thyme sprigs from the grill. Remove the leaves from the stems and mix into the ricotta. Remove the tomatoes and scallions. Chop the scallions and chives into large (1/2-inch) pieces. Season the tomatoes with the sugar and some pepper. Spoon the ricotta into a serving platter or bowl and season with salt. Arrange the tomatoes, scallions and chives next to and on top of the ricotta. Spoon the dressing on top.

GRILLED FLATBREAD WITH RICOTTA CHEESE, FRESH TOMATOES, OREGANO AND ROASTED GARLIC OIL

Steps:

• Place oil and garlic in a blender and blend until smooth. Strain. Set aside. Flatten dough, brush liberally with olive oil and through on the grill. Grill on one side until golden brown. Turn over and spread with ricotta, tomatoes and basil. Remove and top with shaved parmesan and drizzle with garlic oil.;

CHARRED HEIRLOOM TOMATOES WITH FRESH HERBS

Steps:

• Arrange tomatoes, cut side up, on rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then 1 1/2 tablespoons each oregano and thyme leaves. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons oil. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
• Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Brush grill rack with oil. Place tomatoes, cut side up, on rack. Cook until bottoms are charred, 3 to 4 minutes. Turn tomatoes over and grill just to sear, about 1 minute. Turn cut side up onto platter. Sprinkle with 1/2 tablespoon each oregano and thyme, then drizzle with more oil, if desired. Serve warm.