Caprese salad

Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad is a simple and delightful dish of Italian cuisine, known for its freshness and aroma. It is typically made with ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil, drizzled with balsamic vinegar. This salad is perfect as an appetizer or a light main course.

Ingredients

• 4 large ripe tomatoes
• 200g mozzarella (buffalo mozzarella is preferred)
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Preparation

1. Slice the tomatoes into rounds about 1 cm thick.
2. Slice the mozzarella into thin slices.
3. On a large flat dish or serving plate, layer the tomato slices and mozzarella slices.
4. Add fresh basil leaves between the layers of tomatoes and mozzarella.
5. Drizzle the salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve the Caprese Salad immediately to preserve the freshness of the ingredients.

Tips

• Use ripe and flavorful tomatoes for the best taste.
• Buffalo mozzarella has a more delicate flavor and texture than regular mozzarella, so it is preferable to use it.
• Do not slice the tomatoes too thinly to retain their juiciness.
• To evenly distribute balsamic vinegar, you can dilute it slightly with olive oil.
• To enhance the aroma and flavor, add a few drops of balsamic glaze vinegar.
• Layer the salad for even distribution of ingredients.
• Fresh and aromatic basil leaves will give the salad a unique taste.
• Chill the Caprese Salad before serving.
• You can add a sprinkle of sea salt to accentuate the tomato flavor.
• Serve the salad with a light white wine for a perfect pairing.

Common Mistakes

Using poor quality tomatoes. A good Caprese Salad requires ripe and flavorful tomatoes. Slicing the ingredients too thinly. Tomatoes and mozzarella should be sliced thick to maintain their texture. Over-reducing balsamic vinegar. Avoid boiling balsamic vinegar for too long to prevent it from drying out. Over-salting. Olive oil and mozzarella may already contain salt, so be cautious when adding additional salt. Insufficient use of fresh basil. Basil leaves add aroma and flavor to the salad, so do not skimp on them.

Fun Fact:

Caprese Salad was invented in Italy and got its name from the island of Capri, known for its beautiful landscapes and culinary traditions. It was created as a gastronomic creation for honorable guests and tourists, so this salad is often associated with luxury and quality ingredients.

Caprese Salad is a wonderful way to enjoy the freshness of Italian cuisine, even if you are far from the Mediterranean. Its simplicity and exquisite taste have made it a popular dish worldwide. Try making Caprese Salad and delight your loved ones with this aromatic and refreshing dish. Enjoy the Italian flavor!

Prepare Caprese Salad today and savor the Italian taste in the comfort of your home!