Tomatoes Niçoise

If anchovies aren’t your thing, just omit them. 

1 small shallot or sweet onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, grated
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped 
2 tablespoons roughly chopped black niçoise or oil-cured olives, plus whole olives for garnish
6 small red tomatoes
12 cherry tomatoes in assorted colors
1 tablespoon small capers, rinsed
12 basil leaves


Make the vinaigrette: Put the shallot in a small bowl. Add garlic, salt and pepper and cover with red wine vinegar. Macerate 10 minutes, then whisk in olive oil, chopped anchovy and chopped olives.

Cut each tomato crosswise into 2 thick slices. Place slices on a platter in one layer and season with salt and pepper. Season cherry tomatoes with salt and dress with vinaigrette. Spoon cherry tomatoes and vinaigrette evenly over tomato slices.

Top each tomato slice with a sprinkle of capers. Garnish with basil leaves and whole olives. Serve at cool room temperature.