Caprese Salad – Mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil with balsamic.
Caprese Salad is a simple, fresh, and classically Italian appetizer or side dish that celebrates the rich flavors of its minimal ingredients. The dish features lush slices of ripe red tomatoes layered with creamy fresh mozzarella and vibrant green basil leaves to create the iconic colors of the Italian flag. Typically seasoned with salt, pepper, and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and sweet balsamic glaze, this dish is a symphony of taste that relies on the quality of its components. Its ease of preparation and elegant presentation make it a favorite for casual lunches as well as dinner parties and gatherings. Description by ChatGPT.
Today I'm thrilled to present to you the Ultimate Caprese Salad with a Homemade Balsamic Glaze. Caprese salad is a simple, elegant dish that's perfect for entertaining. The addition of the homemade balsamic glaze will elevate this classic recipe to a new level of deliciousness. Without further ado, let's dive into cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup good quality balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 3 to 4 medium ripe tomatoes
- 12 to 16 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Equipment: saucepan, spoon, knife, serving platter
Instructions:
1. Begin by preparing the balsamic glaze. Pour the balsamic vinegar into a saucepan and add the honey if using. Bring this to a low boil on medium heat.
2. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The glaze should reduce by roughly half and coat the back of a spoon. It will thicken as it cools, resulting in about one-third cup of glaze.
3. While the glaze is simmering, slice the ripe tomatoes into quarter-inch rings and arrange them on your serving platter with a slight overlap.
4. Slice the fresh mozzarella cheese to match the thickness of your tomato slices. If pre-sliced cheese is available at your grocery store, even better!
5. Layer the mozzarella slices between the tomato slices, ensuring each layer is visible.
6. Tuck whole fresh basil leaves between the layers of tomato and cheese, or chop them if preferred.
7. Generously season the layered salad with salt and freshly cracked pepper to enhance the flavor of the tomatoes.
8. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over each layer, ensuring even coverage for rich flavor.
9. Finish by drizzling the homemade balsamic glaze over the salad. Be generous, as this will add a delightful sweetness and tang to the dish.
10. This salad is best served immediately after dressing, so now it's ready for you to enjoy!
Cooking Tips:
- For the best flavor, seek out garden-fresh tomatoes.
- Be careful not to over-reduce the balsamic glaze; it should still be pourable when cool.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste and the sweetness of your tomatoes.
Find more inspiration and culinary delights on Natasha's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@Natashaskitchen.
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Caprese Salad – Mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil with balsamic.
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