[RECIPE IN SHOW NOTES] 

Today Simon’s taking us into the world of what used to be called ‘fusion’ food but really is just the combination of two good things that you wouldn’t expect to see together but which work unexpectedly well. No Mexicana Parmigiana, we’re not taking about you, but instead we’re covering off Hetty Mckinnon’s tomato dumpling salad – a panzanella and potsticker dumpling mashup that took over the northern hemisphere in summer and which Simon thinks you should rush out and make TONIGHT. Listen for all the details. 

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Recipe

First, make the vinaigrette. So, three tablespoons chile crisp oil or regular chiilli oil, one tablespoon soy sauce and three tablespoons Rice Wine Vinegar. Whisk these three ingredients together and add a pinch of salt if needs it. Set the dressing aside.  

For the tomato salad, cut 1kg (5-6 large) tomatoes into one to two-inch pieces and add them to a large bowl. Grate one to two garlic cloves over the tomatoes. Season with a teaspoon each of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add about half a bunch of torn (or small) basil leaves to the bowl and gently mix to combine. Set the tomato salad aside.  

Get a 12-inch skillet heating over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add 2 tablespoons of oil to the pan and wait a minute, then add a packet of frozen dumplings (about 500g), flat side down to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium if they are browning too fast. When the dumplings have a nicely browned bottom (about 4-5 minutes) add 1/4 cup water to the skillet and cover. Reduce the heat to medium, if you haven’t yet. Let the dumplings steam for 4-6 minutes. Then, remove the cover and continue to cook until the water is completely evaporated and the dumplings begin to crisp back up on their bottoms, another 2-3 minutes. When the dumplings are cooked through, cut the heat. You should be able to fit all the dumplings in one pan, but if you can’t, do them in batches. 

Transfer the cooked dumplings to the bowl with the tomato salad and pour the dressing over the dumplings and tomatoes. Gently stir to combine. Top with the remaining basil leaves and some crispy fried shallots, if you like for extra texture. Amazing warm or cold! 

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