Light & Fresh TOMATO DELIGHTS

These delicious and creative recipes featuring one of the gems of summer produce are guaranteed to please

One of the first foods we see when we enter our local farmers market is tomatoes. Large and small, on and off the vine, ripe, juicy tomatoes are the perfect summer ingredient. So we were thrilled to find the new cookbook Simply Tomato, which offers 100 delicious recipes featuring this warm-weather gem. "My theory is that we are first attracted to the sensuous color and shape of a tomato but then get hooked by the flavor, which is a complex dance between sweet, tangy, and that elusive umami flavor," muses author Martha Holmberg, an award-winning food writer. "I spend the summer consuming [them] in every way I can think of." Try one of these delightful dishes tonight!

CHICKPEA AND TOMATO STEW 

Serves 4

1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high. Add next 3 ingredients. Season. Cook 8 min.

2. Add garlic; stir 1 min. Add spices; cook 1 min.

3. Add tomato paste; cook 1 min. Add next 3 ingredients. Simmer until tomatoes are breaking down. Add chard, half the cilantro and a big pinch of salt; simmer 15 min.