Imagine a dish that transforms simple cheese into delicate, golden crisp wafers that perfectly complement a vibrant, juicy heirloom tomato salad. This Parmesan Tuiles with Heirloom Tomato Salad is not just a recipe—it's a culinary experience that bridges rustic Italian charm with modern gourmet elegance. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality appetizer, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups heirloom tomatoes, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the tuiles from sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, measure out 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Make sure the cheese is finely grated for the best results.
- Using a tablespoon, scoop small mounds of the grated Parmesan onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart, as they will spread while baking.
- Using the back of a spoon or a spatula, gently flatten each mound into a thin circle, about 3 inches in diameter. The thinner you spread them, the crispier they will be.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once baked, remove the sheet from the oven and allow the tuiles to cool for a minute. While they are still warm, carefully lift each tuile and drape it over a rolling pin or a glass to create a curved shape. Let them cool completely.
- While the tuiles are cooling, prepare the heirloom tomato salad. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of diced heirloom tomatoes. Choose a variety of colors for a vibrant salad.
- Drizzle the tomatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and gently toss to combine.
- Once the tuiles are completely cool and crisp, arrange them on a serving platter alongside the heirloom tomato salad.
- Garnish the salad with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and a pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Parmesan tuiles with heirloom tomato salad!
Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting consistency. Pre-packaged grated cheese won't provide the same crisp texture.
- Watch your tuiles carefully while baking—they can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds. Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking at 5 minutes.
- For uniform tuiles, use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon to create consistent portions.
- If your tuiles become too crisp to shape, you can briefly reheat them in the oven to make them pliable again.
- Choose a variety of heirloom tomatoes in different colors for a visually stunning salad presentation.
- Let the tuiles cool completely before serving to ensure maximum crispness.
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding a small amount of dried herbs like thyme or oregano to your Parmesan before baking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 45mg
