A SPECIAL PREVIEW FROM "AT HOME WITH UMAMI" | 2015 • Ryland, Peters & Small

A perfect example of culinary alchemy, the humble ingredients tomato, basil, salt and oil transform into something far more precious than the sum of each of their simple parts. I was once at a dinner and we were all aksed if we had a lost meal on earth what would it be. This dish was mine, because when I taste this magical combination, it is clear to me that the universe is greater than our simple lives; it is the sum of us all that has the potential to turn life into gold.

SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS

4 large and perfectly ripe heirloom tomatoes
high-quality extra virgin olive oil
sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper
freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon
1 handful fresh basil leaves, torn
rustic crusty white bread, to serve

METHOD

Wash the tomatoes and then cut them into slices

Drizzle all over a good glug of olive oil and season
with salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Top with the torn basil leaves.

Serve with lovely crusty white bread – perfect for
mopping up those umami-packed juices!

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