Week 22

Italian Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction - A Touch of Freshness to Start Your Week - Monday, Week 22

Staff

May 29, 2023 — 1 min read

Welcome to our Mediterranean journey! Our first stop is Italy, where we'll indulge in the simple yet delightful Caprese Salad, perfectly paired with a refreshing Verdicchio. This fresh salad brings together ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and vibrant basil - a tribute to the colors of the Italian flag. Drizzled with a tangy-sweet balsamic reduction, this dish is a symphony of flavors in each bite.

Ingredients

4 ripe tomatoes
400g (14oz) fresh mozzarella cheese
1 bunch fresh basil
100ml (1/2 cup) balsamic vinegar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese into 1/4 inch (around 0.6 cm) thick slices.
On a large platter, alternate and overlap the tomato slices, mozzarella cheese slices, and basil leaves.
To make the balsamic reduction, pour balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the vinegar has reduced to a thick syrup-like consistency.
Drizzle the balsamic reduction over the Caprese salad. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Wine Pairing

This fresh and flavorful salad pairs wonderfully with a crisp and fruity Verdicchio from Italy's Marche region. Its high acidity and citrus notes perfectly balance the creamy mozzarella and tangy balsamic reduction.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's recipe where we'll travel to the heart of Provence with a classic French Ratatouille. Until then, Buon Appetito!

A Short Pause: We'll Be Back Soon! 🌿

Dear Food Enthusiasts and Blog Followers, We hope this message finds you all in good spirits and enjoying wonderful meals. We understand how much you look forward to our weekly recipes and culinary inspirations, and it’s with a heavy heart that we must announce a brief hiatus in our

Elevate Your Fall Evenings with These Lesser-Known Autumnal Cocktails 🍁🍸

Hello, lovely readers! As the leaves turn orange and a crisp breeze sets in, it’s time to welcome autumn in all its glory. Sure, we all love the pumpkin spice lattes and hot apple ciders that become ubiquitous this season. But what about the grown-up beverages that capture the

A Friday Feast: Grilled Tuna Steaks with Lemon-Caper Sauce 🐟🍋 - Friday, Week 37

Introduction Friday nights are for indulging, and what better way to kick off the weekend than with Grilled Tuna Steaks accompanied by a zesty Lemon-Caper Sauce? The meaty texture and rich flavors of the tuna find a perfect counterpart in the tangy, salty sauce. Your Friday evening meal will feel

Embrace the Smokiness: Cedar-Planked Salmon with Asparagus 🐟🌱 - Thursday, Week 37

Introduction Elevate your grill game to new heights with Cedar-Planked Salmon accompanied by fresh asparagus. The cedar planks infuse the salmon with an irresistible smoky aroma that perfectly complements the natural flavors of the fish. Meanwhile, the asparagus adds a crisp, earthy note that balances the richness of the salmon.