TOMATO, BASIL, AND RICOTTA GELATI

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Tomato, Basil, and Ricotta Gelati image

Provided by Sal Marino

Categories     Milk/Cream     Ice Cream Machine     Tomato     Dessert     Kid-Friendly     Frozen Dessert     Ricotta     Basil     Bon Appétit     Pittsburgh     Pennsylvania     Small Plates

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

Tomato gelato:
2 pounds medium-size deep-red ripe tomatoes (such as Early Girl), halved, seeded, cored, coarsely chopped
1 cup chilled Simple Syrup
Pinch of coarse kosher salt
Basil gelato:
1 1/2 cups Simple Syrup
3 cups fresh basil leaves (slightly packed; about 2 ounces)
6 tablespoons water
Ricotta gelato:
2 cups fresh whole-milk ricotta cheese (about 16 ounces)
1/4 cup whole milk
3/4 cup chilled Simple Syrup
Garnish:
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
12 small cherry tomatoes (such as Sweet 100s) or teardrop tomatoes
Vegetable oil (for frying)
12 fresh basil leaves

Steps:

  • For tomato gelato:
  • Puree tomatoes in processor until smooth. Strain through fine sieve, pressing on solids to release enough tomato puree to measure 2 cups. Discard any remaining puree and solids in strainer. Add 1 cup chilled Simple Syrup and pinch of coarse kosher salt to strained tomato puree; stir to blend.
  • Transfer tomato mixture to ice cream maker and process according to manufacturer's instructions. Transfer gelato to container; cover and freeze until firm, about 3 hours. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Keep frozen.
  • For basil gelato:
  • Bring 1 1/2 cups Simple Syrup to simmer in small saucepan. Remove from heat; add 3 cups basil leaves to syrup and stir until wilted. Transfer basil mixture to bowl and refrigerate until cold, about 2 hours. Puree basil mixture and 6 tablespoons water in blender until smooth.
  • Transfer basil mixture to ice cream maker and process according to manufacturer's instructions. Transfer gelato to container; cover and freeze until firm, about 3 hours. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Keep frozen.
  • For ricotta gelato:
  • Combine ricotta cheese and milk in processor; puree until smooth. Add 3/4 cup Simple Syrup and process until blended and smooth.
  • Transfer ricotta mixture to ice cream maker and process according to manufacturer's instructions. Transfer gelato to container; cover and freeze until firm, about 3 hours. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Keep frozen.
  • For garnish:
  • Stir 1 cup sugar and 1/3 cup water in heavy small saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and boil without stirring until color is medium amber (not deep amber), occasionally brushing down sides of pan with pastry brush dipped in water and swirling pan, about 7 minutes. Remove pan from heat. Gently drop tomatoes into hot caramel syrup, tilting pan to coat. Using fork, quickly lift out tomatoes and transfer to sheet of foil. Cool tomatoes completely. DO AHEAD: Candied cherry tomatoes can be made 5 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
  • Pour enough vegetable oil into heavy small saucepan to reach depth of 1 inch. Attach deep-fry thermometer to side of saucepan. Heat oil over medium heat to 350°F. Add basil leaves and fry just until translucent, about 2 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer basil to paper towels to drain. DO AHEAD: Can be made 5 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
  • Using 1- to 1 1/2-inch ice cream scoop, spoon out 1 scoop of each gelato into shallow bowls or glasses. Garnish with candied cherry tomatoes and fried basil leaves and serve.

Matej Bosiljanov
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Absolutely the most delightful combination of flavors and textures. Will definitely add this to my repertoire. Thank you for sharing!


Francine Ingabire
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I made this for a party and it was a hit! Everyone loved the unique flavor and the beautiful presentation.


Ojanta Pakhi
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This was a delicious and refreshing dessert! The combination of tomatoes, basil, and ricotta was perfect, and the gelati was light and airy. I will definitely be making this again.