Name: Tomato Salad with Warm Lemongrass Dressing
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 pound tomatoes , cored and cut into 1-inch-thick wedges, wedges halved crosswise; ¼ teaspoon table salt; 1 (2-inch) piece ginger , peeled; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 lemongrass stalk , trimmed to bottom 6 inches and minced; 4 garlic cloves , sliced thin; 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 1½ teaspoons packed brown sugar; 1 teaspoon grated lime zest plus 2 tablespoons juice; ¼ cup fresh mint leaves , torn; 1 jalapeño chile , stemmed and sliced into thin rings; 2 scallions , sliced thin

Why This Recipe Works

This simple salad combines vine-ripened tomatoes with a warm, aromatic dressing featuring a combination of flavors commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine: lemongrass, ginger, garlic, fish sauce, fresh chiles, and herbs. We started by salting the tomatoes to draw out some of their flavorful juices (which we allowed to collect in the same bowl) and meanwhile softened the lemongrass, ginger, and garlic in a small skillet. To interrupt the cooking, we added fish sauce and lime juice off the heat, along with fresh lime zest and a touch of sugar. Then we poured the warm mixture over the tomatoes, tossed in some fresh mint and jalapeño, transferred it all to a dish, and topped it with delicate fresh scallions.

Before You Begin

We prefer to use a mix of peak-season tomatoes here; heirloom varieties and vine-ripened tomatoes are our favorites. Wrap unused lemongrass stalks in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze in a zipper-lock bag for up to three months.

Instructions

Combine tomatoes and salt in bowl and toss to coat; set aside. Slice ginger crosswise into thin rounds. Stack rounds and slice into thin matchsticks.

Heat oil, lemongrass, garlic, and ginger in 8-inch skillet over medium heat until lemongrass and ginger are softened and garlic is golden brown, about 3 minutes. Off heat, stir in fish sauce, sugar, and lime zest and juice until sugar is dissolved, about 1 minute.

Pour warm dressing over tomatoes; add mint, jalapeño, and scallions; and gently toss to combine. Transfer tomato mixture to serving dish and top with scallions. Serve.