Pesto + Heirloom + Burrata

Pesto + Heirloom + Burrata

Prep Time: 10 Min
Cook Time: Under 5 Mins

This isn't as much a recipe as it is a reminder to slow down, appreciate fresh, quality ingredients, and enjoy the beauty of quality & simplicity. I'm quite lucky in Ontario, Canada, because we grow fresh produce all year round, and whatever we don't / can't grow, we can always import. Heirloom tomatoes pop up near the tail end of winter and stick around throughout the summer, providing us with the most fabulous tomato experience.

This plate features a fresh, gorgeous orangey yellow heirloom tomato in all of its fresh and fabulous glory. To enhance the tomato experience, I've paired it with a freshly prepared pesto; vibrant, herbaceous, and delicious, perfect for this spring / summer appreciation plate. Then, some dreamy burrata, chili oil for some much needed and welcome heat, sweet, delectable balsamic glaze, and a sprinkle of Himalayan salt. This combination of flavours is simple, puts the hierloom at the forefront, and reminds us that simple, fresh ingredients are an experience if put together properly.

Pesto Recipe Links

Toasted Pine Nut Pesto - www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/smashed-meatball-ciabattas-with-pesto-whipped-ricotta

Sundried Tomato Pesto - www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/sundried-tomato-pesto

​Walnut Basil Pesto - www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/pesto-meatball-skillet

WHAT YOU NEED

• Fresh Heirloom Tomato
• Balsamic Reduction 
• Prepared Pesto
• Burrata Cheese
• Hard Cheese (Grana, Pecorino)
• Pepper Flakes
• Himalayan Salt & Cracked Pepper
• Chili Oil
• Fresh Basil

DIRECTIONS

• Prepare the pesto according to your recipe of choice. While this recipe focuses on fresh, don't be afraid to open a jar of your favourite store-bought brand if needed. Once prepared, grab a plate and let's set this up.

• Take a generous amount of your gorgeous pesto and spoon it in to the center of the plate, fanning it around as a bed for the tomatoes to lay in. Slice your heirloom in to three thick, gorgeous slices and lay them out on top of the pesto. Sprinkle them generously with Himalayan salt, cracked pepper, and pepper flakes.
• Break open your burrata and nestle it beside the tomato slices. Drizzle the burrata and the entire plate with chili oil. Season your burrata with salt, pep, and pep flakes. Drizzle the finished product with sweet, seductive balsamic glaze and finish with finely shredded hard cheese. Finish with a dollop of pesto and some fresh basil.
• Take a piece of the tomato and swipe it through that glorious pesto followed by a slice of the burrata and indulge. It's a magical combination that comes together so beautifully. As I said, there's nothing better than gorgeous, fresh ingredients you guys <3

HAPPY VEG