With summer starting up, TikTok’s latest style trend, tomato girl summer is an aesthetic to aspire to.
With 21.6 million videos on the app, tomato girl summer is a lifestyle. Think sipping on an aperitif on the Amalfi Coast. But how can we live up to the viral trend here in the UK? Well, it’s all about bringing the Mediterranean to us.
Now, HelloFresh Ireland’s Head of Culinary, Hannah Duxbury, recommends her favourite Mediterranean recipes that are fit for a tomato girl. With fresh, summer ingredients, Hannah’s recipes are so easy to make and are perfect for hosting an Alfresco dinner with friends.
“The tomato girl summer trend is everything we love about a Mediterranean holiday – that slow paced way of life, the beautiful scenery and of course, the delicious food. Tomato girl summer recipes should be made with the freshest, seasonal ingredients. They should be shareable crowd pleasers and, to maintain the calmness of the trend, they should be so easy to make with little fuss,” says Hannah.
Pomodoro Pasta
“At the cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet is simplicity and the best fresh produce. Italy is renowned for its tomato crops which are second to none, including its famous Pomodoro S. Marzano which makes the perfect base for a fresh pasta.
Create a deliciously simple tomato based sauce with garlic, onions, plum tomatoes, passata and cream before coating linguine and topping with a sprinkling of Italian cheese and pesto.”
Panzanella Salad
“Originating from Tuscany and Umbria, panzanella salad is also having its moment over on TikTok. The dish was originally created by farmers as a way to combine excess vegetables and stale bread making it the perfect dish to cut back on food waste and live your best tomato girl summer, simultaneously.
For a light lunch or delicious side, this recipe used roasted butternut squash and tomato alongside courgette, garlic, onion and rocket. Create rough brioche roll croutons by baking in the oven coated in a simple olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. Combine all your ingredients and finish with a crumble of Greek style cheese for a tangy finish.”
Aubergine Parmigiana
“Aubergine parmigiana is a truly traditional southern Italian dish which dates back to the 1300s. This hearty option is a great vegetarian dinner recipe and is best served with warm crusty bread to soak up leftover sauce.
Simply cut your aubergine in half lengthwise and roast in the oven. Meanwhile, create a fresh tomato based sauce – extra points if you can source Italian varieties! In an ovenproof dish, top aubergine with your sauce and mozzarella to create four to five layers and bake until the cheese is melted.”
For more easy Mediterranean recipe ideas visit the HelloFresh Ireland website.