This Simple Addition Takes Fresh Summer Tomatoes To The Next Level

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During high tomato season, figuring out ways to incorporate the hybrid fruit-vegetable into every meal can be a challenge. So why not just snack on them as is? Peak-season tomatoes hardly need any help on their own, except for a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to bring out their sweet, juicy flavors. But if you want to take it up a couple of notches, try adding browned butter. It might sound a bit unusual, but the combination works surprisingly well. After all, butter makes everything better. 

Brown butter's rich, nutty flavors complement tomatoes' natural sweetness and acidity without overpowering them. This dish can serve as a standout side, a fresh appetizer, or a light lunch on a hot summer's day. Tasting Table's simple brown butter tomatoes recipe is made by gently cooking butter until the milk solids turn golden brown and spooning it over plated slices. Feel free to riff off this recipe by adding in minced garlic or fresh herbs to infuse the sauce with even more complexity. Those deep, savory flavors will contrast beautifully with the bright, fresh flavor of raw tomatoes. 

Butter and tomato make sense as friends. Tomatoes contain high levels of glutamates, the compounds responsible for their umami taste. Browning butter creates even more flavor compounds through the Maillard reaction, making nutty notes that play well with tomato's savory qualities. The best type of butter to use when browning is a high-quality, European or European-style butter with plenty of fat, such as Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter. 

When it comes to preparing brown butter tomatoes, temperature is also important. You want to immediately spoon the brown butter over the cool, pre-sliced tomatoes to create an appealing contrast. A finishing sprinkle of flaky salt will also help tie everything together. Freshly cracked black pepper also adds a little zing, while herbs like basil, thyme, or chives will add a freshness that keeps the dish from being too rich. 

You can build on this combination by incorporating some crunchy toppings, such as toasted breadcrumbs or roasted pistachios. Crushed walnuts, pine nuts, or sliced almonds can reinforce the nutty butter flavors already present. If you want a brighter finish, add a splash of acid just before serving. You can always hit a savory dish with a squeeze of lemon for a flavor boost. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or sherry vinegar also does the trick by adding a little sweetness and tang. 

Since you'll have quite a lot of juicy sauce swimming on your plate, be sure to have some fresh, crusty bread nearby to soak up any leftovers. While any fresh, medium-ripe summer tomato will work, this is a great recipe to show off your gorgeous heirloom tomatoes, especially if they come in different sizes and colors. The key is to let your exceptional tomatoes remain the focus. Summer is their season, so why not make them the star in every meal?