FOOD + DRINK in THE KITCHEN WITH cont...
CHARLOTTE’ S CAPRESE SALAD
This is the work of minutes, can feed a crowd, or is lovely just for one or two – and perfect for a holiday home gathering. The secret is fresh basil, good tomatoes( not kept in the fridge) and a good balsamic dressing.
Serves: 2- 4
Ingredients:
• 500g good tomatoes *
• 2 balls of buffalo mozzarella
• Generous handful of fresh basil( I love having a basil plant on the side to pluck the fresh leaves from)
• Rocket or mixed baby leaves
• Sea salt
• Good olive oil
• Balsamic glaze or balsamic salad dressing
• Olives( optional)
For the dressing: These are approximate measures, so adjust as to whether you prefer more or less vinegary, mustardy or sweet!
• 3 tbsp good extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• ⅕ tsp wholegrain mustard
• 1 tsp honey
Method:
1. Put the dressing ingredients into a jam jar and shake like crazy until you have a thickish dressing, then taste and adjust to your liking.
2. Slice the tomatoes( if cherry, just chop in half).
3. Slice the mozzarella.
4. Arrange the leaves on a platter, toss some dressing in with them.
5. Scatter over the cheese, tomatoes and torn basil. Grind over a little salt and pepper and drizzle over the olive oil. Dot over olives if using. Drizzle over some dressing and garnish with some stripes of balsamic glaze- then enjoy!
TOP TIP: Serve with good bread if you like or add Parma ham.
* When I say good tomatoes. These can be either super fresh beef steak tomatoes, cherry tomatoes on the vine, or heritage tomatoes. Please don’ t use pale-looking bog standard tomatoes that have been kept in the fridge and have absolutely no flavour with the texture of cotton wool. I use beautiful, fresh heritage tomatoes in vibrant orange, yellow and red.
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