Choose firm, red, ripe tomatoes, such as vine-ripened. Remove the core and cut into 1cm slices across the width. Rub a serving plate with a smashed garlic clove to perfume it and then arrange the tomatoes in slightly overlapping circles. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper and torn basil leaves and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and a splash of red wine vinegar.
© 2005 Damien Pignolet. All rights reserved.