CAPRESE SALAD WITH CAPSICUM

This is recipe is originally from Italy made with juicy tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, but to add an Indian touch I have added Capsicum and Mint leaves.

Take a minute to reflect on the colours used in this recipe.  Green, white and red - these colours are same for Italian and Indian flag.  That's why it's sometimes known as the "Insalata Tricolore".  The most patriotic of Italian salads, then, combined with the produce of one of Italy's most beautiful regions. 

It's important to know where this recipe comes from, because that will unlock much about the secrets of making it an authentic, tasty dish.  Although you'll find it on menus throughout Italy, as the name suggests it originated on the beautiful Isle of CAPRI, down on the south side of the Bay of Naples.

My pic during my visit to Capri Island - the Amalfi coast.  What does Capri say to you? Look at the golden tan that i got under the Mediterranean sun.  Capri is a land of bright Sunshine, Fresh produce, Greenery.  I would love to spend my retired life in this beautiful island. 

 

How to Choose Mozzarella Cheese?

Mozzarella cheese is the only cheese able to add that pearly-white touch that a true Caprese has.  But not all mozzarellas are made equal.  It's important to choose the one that adds greatest taste and texture to your salad.  So, what to look for?

The vacuum-packed mozzarella floating in liquid you'll often find in supermarkets is very bland and a bit milky.  Try to buy the best mozzarella you can find - you'll be amazed at the difference it will make.   Below is the picture of the packet i have use.

Mozzarella takes time to produce.  The more expensive cheeses contain only milk, salt, rennet and enzymes.  If you see ingredients such as "curd" or "citric acid" you'll know the process was speeded up.  

The poorer quality mozzarella is much more salty, because salt is added to try to disguise the bland taste.  When you push the surface slightly, you should see a few drops of whey - a whitish liquid - appear on the surface.  

Ingredients:

• 2 Tomatoes
• 1 Capsicum
• Fresh Mozzarella cheese
• Few Olives
• Few sprigs of Mint leaves
• 1 tsp crushed Black Pepper
• ½ tsp Salt
• 3 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 tbsp of Balsamic Vinegar

Procedure:

Thinly slice the mozzarella cheese, tomatoes and capsicum. 

Mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, crushed pepper and salt.  Roll the sliced mozzarella cheese into this liquid mixture, then roll all the tomatoes into the liquid mixture, then finally roll the capsicum into the remaining mixture.

On a large platter, arrange the tomatoes, cheese and capsicum in sequence and garnish with some olives and mint leaves.  Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad. 

 Garnish with olives and mint leaves.

The essence of Italian cooking is simplicity and the freshest seasonal ingredients.

Buon Appetito!

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