Tomatoes Simmered in Olive Oil with Cotija

2 large or 3 small heirloom tomatoes (about 1 lb.)
1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp. kosher salt
2 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
½ red Fresno chile or jalapeño, thinly sliced, loose seeds discarded
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
⅓ cup pitted green olives (such as Picholine), coarsely chopped
2 Tbsp. chopped oregano
2 tsp. red wine vinegar
1½ oz. Cotija cheese, feta, or ricotta salata (salted dry ricotta), coarsely crumbled
Toasted or fresh bread of your choice (optional)

Jun 23, 2023

May 10, 2023

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Place a wire rack inside a large rimmed baking sheet. Core tomatoes by cutting out a small cone-shaped wedge from around stem. Slice tomatoes in half from top to bottom. Slice half of tomato halves ½” thick. Slice remaining halves into ½”-thick wedges. Set tomato pieces on prepared rack. Sprinkle on both sides with salt; let sit 10 minutes.
Cook garlic, chile, and oil in a large high-sided skillet over medium-low heat, stirring, just until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, one at a time, puzzling together into a snug single layer with little overlap (like filling a fruit tart). Leave out any that don’t fit. Scatter olives over top of and in between tomatoes. Increase heat to medium-low so is oil simmering very lightly, cover, and cook 2 minutes. Uncover and scatter oregano over tomatoes. Cover again and cook tomatoes until warmed through and very fragrant but not falling apart, 3–5 minutes more.
Remove pan from heat; set a platter that is the same size as the pan beside it. Lift pan and tilt so tomatoes, along with any liquid, slide out onto platter. Drizzle with vinegar and top with crumbled Cotija. Serve with bread, if using, for soaking up tomato juices.

Recipe by christian david reynoso