Tomatoes are a summer staple that need no introduction. Still, when they’re served in tiramisú, things get interesting. A favourite fruit (they’re berries, folks!), succulent, sun-ripened tomatoes are a perennial summertime favourite, popping up in pastas, salads, pizzas and more. This July, Eataly and Mutti want to introduce guests to a world of tomato-based possibilities, with Mutti products in the starring roles.
A company that harkens back to the days when things were done by hand, and quality drove a company’s success, Mutti still does one thing, exceptionally well. Founded in 1899, Mutti is owned to this day by its founding family; one that considers itself, “the guardians of authentic tomato flavour.” Suffice to say, Mutti doesn’t mess around when it comes to tomatoes.
Italy’s #1 tomato brand -- with a family of products that includes paste, pizza sauce, polpa, and more -- the company is also behind the “annual Pomodorino D’Oro (Golden Tomato), a competition described by export area manager Juan Pablo Carnevale as the “Oscars of tomato farming.” Awarded each year to the tomato farmers with the best yield and quality, the award fosters developments in growing, harvesting and transportation methods: a win-win for all involved.
To celebrate the 50th year of Mutti Polpa -- finely chopped, cold-pressed tomatoes from the Emilia-Romagna region -- Eataly and Mutti have partnered to showcase Mutti’s exceptional products in a range of intriguing dishes. Created by Mutti Italy corporate chef Carlo Casoni, each dish brings the flavours of Italy to our own piece of the Bel Paese, at the corner of Bay and Bloor.
On the menu, guests will find Mutti Strained Tomatoes Vegetarian Smoothies and Bruschetta Con Mutti Polpa e Mozzarella, to start. Hand-made tagliatelle are mixed with pesto di pomodoro e rucola in a pasta dish that’s bright, light, and vibrant from the addition of arugula, pine nuts, Parmesan, basil and parsley. Polpette di Manzo e Maiale con Mutti Polpa, brings a plate of sizeable meatballs, slowly simmered in a simple, fresh tomato sauce.
Seemingly strange, the team’s Mutti Tomato Jam and Sweet Passata Tiramisú is sure to turn heads. Similar to the traditional recipe, this one begins with espresso-soaked savoiardi cookies and a base of mascarpone and cream. From there, it veers off the known path with tangy, sweet tomato jam animated with Sambuca, ginger, and citrus peel. The end result is rich, delicate and agreeably sweet. With the coffee flavour of the original bolstered by tomatoes used in an innovative way, this is a dessert that's guaranteed to challenge notions of where tomatoes can come in handy in the kitchen.
Curious for a taste? Sample each Mutti dish this July 4 to 30 at Eataly’s La Pizza & La Pasta restaurant. Each one is a beautiful expression of Italy's finest produce, used in simple, delicious ways. Plus, if you’ve never enjoyed tomatoes as part of your last course, Eataly and Mutti are ready to open your eyes to the endless possibilities.
