Summery and fragrant dishes with tomatoes that you absolutely must try

All the taste of tomatoes

With their unmistakable flavor and the many varieties available, tomatoes allow you to give your dishes a different character every time. You can showcase them in fresh and fragrant recipes, playing with different textures and combinations without sacrificing simplicity.

Summer tomato soup

Summer Pappa al pomodoro is a refreshing variation of the Tuscan specialty, in which you steep the juice of datterini tomatoes with carrots, celery, spring onions, garlic, and herbs. After it has rested, you can pour it over toasted Tuscan bread, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and serve the pappa with burrata and basil.

Smart tip: if you don't have a juicer, you can use a centrifuge or a common food mill.

Cold pasta with ricotta and cherry tomatoes

Cold pasta with ricotta and cherry tomatoes is a fresh and creamy first course, combining the sweetness of cherry tomatoes with a smooth ricotta cream. Basil adds a pleasant aromatic note, while toasted pine nuts give the dish a crunchy touch.

Smart tip: You can add almonds, pine nuts, pecorino cheese, or sun-dried tomatoes to the pesto for a more intense flavor.

Tomatoes au gratin

Tomatoes au gratin are a simple and delicious side dish, characterized by a golden, crispy surface. You can stuff the tomatoes with a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated cheese, garlic, and parsley, then bake them until they're invitingly gratinated. Smart tip: if you prefer, you can replace the parsley with other aromatic herbs of your choice, such as basil or oregano.

Insalata Shirazi

Shirazi Salad is a fresh and crisp Persian specialty, made without cooking with tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. Dress it with extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice and flavor it with parsley, basil, and dried mint. Smart tip: choose long Dutch cucumbers, as they are less watery and have fewer seeds; alternatively, you can use regular cucumbers.