Roasted Peaches with Tomatoes, Almonds and Herbs

This clever mix of sweet and savory ingredients can be served as a light first course or an elegant dessert. Humm makes the recipe with apricots, but peaches also work well.More Great Recipes with TomatoesRecipe from Food & Wine Best New Chefs All-Star Cookbook

Roasted Peaches with Tomatoes, Almonds and Herbs
Photo: © Chris Court
Active Time:
1 hrs 15 mins
Total Time:
3 hrs 15 mins
Yield:
8

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons sugar 

  • Kosher salt

  • 8 small peaches or large apricots, halved and pitted

  • 23⁄4 cups extra-virgin olive oil 

  • 23⁄4 cups canola oil 

  • 8 garlic cloves, lightly smashed 

  • 4 rosemary sprigs, broken into pieces

  • 4 basil sprigs 

  • 2 thyme sprigs 

  • 2 bay leaves 

  • Zest of 1 lemon, removed with a vegetable peeler 

  • 1 cup blanched almonds

  • 1⁄4 cup white balsamic vinegar 

  • 2 pints heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved 

  • 2 ounces ricotta salata, shaved 

  • Balsamic vinegar, for drizzling 

  • Marjoram and basil leaves, for garnish 

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the sugar with 1/2 tablespoon of salt. Add the peaches and toss to coat, then spread them in a single layer in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.

  2. In a large saucepan, combine 2 cups of the olive oil with 2 cups of the canola oil and the garlic and heat until the oil reaches 140° on a candy thermometer. Add 1 rosemary sprig along with the basil, thyme, bay leaves and lemon zest and let steep off the heat for 1 hour.

  3. Preheat the oven to 225°. Bring the infused oil just to a simmer, then strain it over the peaches. Cover the baking dish with foil and roast the peaches until tender but not falling apart, about 45 minutes. Let cool slightly. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the peaches to a plate; reserve the oil.

  4. Increase the oven temperature to 300°. In a small bowl, toss the almonds with 2 tablespoons of the reserved peach oil. Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until golden, about 20 minutes. Let cool, then sprinkle with salt.

  5. In a medium bowl, combine the remaining 3⁄4 cup of olive oil with the white balsamic vinegar and season with salt. Add the tomatoes, toss and let stand for 10 minutes.

  6. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat the remaining 3/4 cup of canola oil until it reaches 350°. Add the remaining 3 rosemary sprigs and fry until darkened and crispy, about 30 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the rosemary to paper towels and sprinkle with salt.

  7. rain the tomatoes. Arrange the peaches and tomatoes on plates. Scatter the toasted almonds all around and top with the ricotta salata. Drizzle each plate with some of the reserved peach oil and balsamic vinegar. Garnish with the fried rosemary sprigs and fresh marjoram and basil and serve right away.

Make Ahead

The roasted peaches can be refrigerated in the oil for up to 3 days.

Suggested Pairing

Fragrant, full-bodied white: 2012 Éric Texier Côtes du Rhône Blanc

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