Decadent Caprese

The Decadent Caprese is a richer and more indulgent version of the classic Italian appetizer, the Caprese salad. It is an ideal recipe for those who wish to try a delicious twist on the traditional dish. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 ripe and firm tomatoes
• 250g of Campania buffalo mozzarella PDO
• 2 tablespoons of fresh basil pesto
• Fresh basil leaves
• Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
• High-quality extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic cream or reduced balsamic vinegar
• Toasted walnuts or pine nuts (optional)
• Shavings of Parmesan cheese or Parmigiano (optional)

Preparation

1. Slice the tomatoes and the buffalo mozzarella into slices about 0.5 cm thick.
2. Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices alternately on a serving plate, creating an elegant circle.
3. Sprinkle each slice of tomato with a little coarse salt and grind some black pepper over the mozzarella.
4. With a teaspoon, gently spread the basil pesto over the mozzarella slices. If you prefer, you can also drizzle a few drops of pesto over the plate after assembling the Caprese.
5. Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves.
6. Drizzle the salad with a stream of high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
7. Draw a spiral or zigzag pattern with the balsamic cream over the ingredients for an aesthetic and flavorful touch.
8. If desired, add toasted walnuts or pine nuts for crunch, and garnish with cheese shavings for an additional savory note.

Serve the Decadent Caprese as an appetizer, making sure the ingredients are at room temperature to enhance all flavors.

Trivia

The traditional Caprese is a tribute to the Italian flag with the colors green (basil), white (mozzarella), and red (tomato). In this decadent version, additional elements like the balsamic cream and extra condiments celebrate Italian food culture and the joy of good eating, which goes beyond simplicity, exploring more complex textures and flavors.