Tomatoes with crispy torta de barros

Experience the vibrant freshness of heritage tomatoes paired with the rich, creamy texture of crispy Torta de Barros cheese. This summer tapas dish blends authentic Spanish flavours with British ingredients, delivering a delightful balance of tangy, salty, and herbaceous notes.

This dish scores a Nutri-Score B, reflecting a balanced nutritional profile. Rich in fresh vegetables and quality cheese, it offers beneficial fats and protein, while keeping salt and saturated fat moderate. Ideal for a wholesome summer tapas option.

Ingredients

• 400g heritage tomatoes, at room temperature
• 100g Cornicabra olives (or other purple olives), pitted and finely chopped
• 150ml extra virgin olive oil
• 50ml cava vinegar (or muscatel, cider, or chardonnay vinegar)
• 250g Torta de Barros cheese, chilled
• 100g plain flour, for dusting
• 3 free-range eggs, beaten
• 120g panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp fresh oregano leaves
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh flatleaf parsley
• Light olive oil, for shallow frying
• Sea salt, to taste

Method

1. Prepare the tomatoes: Remove the white core from the top of each tomato. Slice some into thin rounds and others into wedges. Place in a bowl, sprinkle with sea salt, and set aside to draw out flavour.
2. Make the olive dressing: Pit and finely chop the olives or crush them using a pestle and mortar. Combine olives with extra virgin olive oil, cava vinegar, and a pinch of sea salt. Whisk together and add to the tomatoes. Stir gently and leave to marinate.
3. Prepare the cheese: Keep the Torta de Barros cheese chilled to maintain firmness. Slice into squares or rectangles as preferred.
4. Coat the cheese: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with plain flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Dip each cheese slice in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
5. Heat the oil: Pour about 2.5cm (1 inch) of light olive oil into a deep-sided frying pan. Heat for 1 minute until gently simmering. Alternatively, preheat a deep fat fryer to 180°C. (Be cautious with hot oil.)
6. Season the tomatoes: Stir fresh oregano and parsley into the tomato and olive mixture. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.
7. Fry the cheese: Carefully add the breadcrumbed cheese to the hot oil. Fry for 1 minute on each side until golden and crisp. The cheese will melt quickly, so handle gently. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.
8. Serve: Plate the crispy Torta de Barros cheese alongside the marinated tomato salad. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavour.

Suggested Wine Pairing

• Majestic: Valdeorras Albariño 2023 – Crisp and aromatic with citrus and stone fruit notes, this white wine complements the creamy cheese and fresh tomatoes beautifully.
• Tesco: Tesco Finest Verdejo 2022 – A zesty white with herbal undertones that echo the oregano and parsley, enhancing the dish’s Mediterranean character.
• Sainsbury’s: Sainsbury’s Spanish Rosado – Light and refreshing rosé with bright red fruit flavours, balancing the salty olives and rich fried cheese.

What can you serve with this

1. Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up the olive oil and vinegar dressing, adding texture and heartiness to the tapas experience.
2. Chargrilled vegetables: Their smoky, earthy flavours complement the fresh tomatoes and creamy cheese, creating a balanced plate.
3. Spanish cured meats: Such as jamón serrano or chorizo, to add a savoury, meaty contrast to the vegetarian dish.
4. Green salad with lemon dressing: A light, zesty side that refreshes the palate between bites of rich cheese.

FAQs for Tomatoes with crispy Torta de Barros

• What is Torta de Barros cheese? Torta de Barros is a soft, creamy Spanish cheese made from sheep’s milk, known for its rich texture and mild flavour.
• Can I substitute Torta de Barros cheese? Yes, you can use other soft sheep’s milk cheeses like queso de la Serena, but the texture and flavour may vary slightly.
• How do I keep the cheese from melting too fast when frying? Keep the cheese chilled before coating and fry quickly at the right temperature to achieve a crispy crust without losing shape.
• Are the olives essential in this recipe? The olives add a salty, fruity depth that balances the tomatoes and cheese, but you can omit or substitute them if preferred.
• Is this dish suitable for vegetarians? Yes, it contains no meat or animal rennet, making it vegetarian-friendly.
• Can I prepare the tomatoes in advance? Yes, marinate the tomatoes and olives ahead of time to enhance the flavours, but fry the cheese fresh before serving.

Nutri-score Health Check

This recipe earns a Nutri-Score of B, indicating a nutritious balance of fresh vegetables and quality dairy. The score is automatically calculated based on the ingredients and serves as a helpful guideline.

Positive Factors

• Heritage tomatoes provide vitamins, antioxidants, and fibre.
• Extra virgin olive oil offers healthy monounsaturated fats.
• Fresh herbs add flavour without calories or salt.

Negative Factors

• Torta de Barros cheese contains saturated fat and calories, which can affect the score if consumed in excess.
• Panko breadcrumbs and frying add carbohydrates and fat.
• Use of salt should be moderate to maintain healthiness.