Australian-style Cherry Tomatoes

Australian-style cherry tomatoes are not a traditional Italian dish nor are they widely recognized as a standard recipe in Australian cuisine. However, we can envision a version that combines typical elements of Australian cuisine with the use of cherry tomatoes, making a creative culinary adaptation.

Ingredients

• 500g of cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 sprig of fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 180 °C.
2. Place the tomatoes on a baking tray and drizzle with olive oil and honey. Sprinkle with thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the tomatoes are evenly coated with the dressing.
3. Roast in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized.
4. Remove the tomatoes from the oven and drizzle with a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.
5. Serve the tomatoes hot, sprinkled with crumbled feta or goat cheese and garnished with fresh coriander if desired.

The Australian twist can be seen in the use of honey, a beloved ingredient in Australian cooking, and the potential use of coriander, often employed in their fusion cuisines. Additionally, instead of balsamic vinegar, you could experiment with an Australian bush vinegar, if available, for a more authentic touch.

Curiosity

In Australian cuisine, there are often fusions with other cultures, especially Asian and European, thanks to its very diverse population. The use of honey in savory dishes is not uncommon and is part of its innovative gastronomy.