Red wine vinegar is the game-changing ingredient that makes tomatoes tastier, according to chefs and food lovers alike. While olive oil and salt are common, adding red wine vinegar provides the right acidity without being overwhelming.
Chefs Recommend Red Wine Vinegar
Connon Robson, head chef at modern Italian restaurant Bar Gigi, says: "The secret to completely transforming your tomatoes is red wine vinegar." He adds that paired with good quality extra virgin olive oil, it adds sharpness and acidity needed for the freshness of the tomato.
Chef and cookbook author Justin Tsang also praises red wine vinegar for balancing the sweetness of tomatoes while boosting their flavor. Both chefs emphasize the importance of complementing the vinegar with flaky salt and high-quality olive oil.
How to Make Tastier Tomatoes
To replicate this method, slice a beefsteak tomato and arrange the slices on a plate. Drizzle with one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and three teaspoons of red wine vinegar, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt to taste. Let the slices sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
For serving, place the seasoned tomatoes on toasted sourdough bread and garnish with basil leaves if desired. These tomatoes are best served immediately; leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to one day, but this may affect texture and flavor.
