Recipe Overview
This elegant amuse-bouche uses cherry tomatoes as a natural cup for a sweet-bitter orange mustard, savory Kalamata olives, lightly marinated red onion, and basil oil. It is fresh, colorful, vegan, and excellent for tasting menus or passed appetizers.
Chef Notes
The orange mustard is best prepared one day ahead so the texture sets and the citrus bitterness mellows. Keep the tomatoes chilled and fill close to service for the cleanest presentation.
Connected Experience
This recipe connects to the appetizer directory, Menu Builder, live inventory system, wine pairing logic, and searchable metadata for better recipe discovery.
Ingredients
Base recipe = 6 servings.
- 450 g organic grape or cherry tomatoes
- 450 g oranges with peel, sliced
- 400 g granulated sugar
- 1 g sea salt
- 150 g Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 80 g red onion, julienned
- 15 g red wine vinegar
- 1 g mustard extract
- 15 g basil oil
Preparation
- Prepare the orange mustard: simmer the sliced oranges with the sugar over low heat, stirring often, until thick and pulpy.
- Allow the mixture to rest, then repeat a brief simmer if needed for full dissolution and concentration.
- Stir in the red wine vinegar and mustard extract, reduce lightly, then strain and chill overnight.
- Blanch the red onion briefly, drain, and marinate with a little vinegar and salt.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and remove the seeds to create small tomato cups.
- Fill each tomato half with orange mustard.
- Garnish with marinated red onion, chopped Kalamata olives, and a drizzle of basil oil.
Service Suggestions
- Serve chilled as a one-bite amuse-bouche.
- Arrange on a white platter or tasting spoon for contrast.
- Fill close to service so the tomato cups stay fresh and firm.
Dietary / HACCP Notes
- Naturally vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and nut-free.
- Keep tomatoes and garnish refrigerated until service.
- Hold cold appetizers at or below 41°F / 5°C for safe service.
Nutrition (per serving, estimate)
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 310 mg |