This dish was used as part of a 1 night “restaurant” held out of our apartment as part of the Foodbuzz 24,24,24 launch event.
This “insalata caprese” served double duty as an appetizer as well as a palette cleanser between a course of Faux Gras and Kuromitsu Pork Chops.
The refreshing granita offsets the dense creamy mozzarella with a layer of basil leaves offering some herbal contrast to the umami laden duo. A light drizzle of olive oil and sweet 12 year balsamic vinegar finish the dish off like a bowl of shaved ice doused in nectar. As one guest put it “my tastebuds are confused”.
Despite the confused taste buds, the plates were emptied before I had a chance to get any action shots.
3 discussions
Ingredients
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2
heirloom tomatoes ripe (of any variety)
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to taste
kosher salt
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mozzarella fresh
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basil fresh
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balsamic vinegar aged
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olive oil good
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black pepper
Steps
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For the granita, just wash and core the tomatoes then throw them into a blender and puree with some salt until the tomatoes are smooth and frothy. Strain through a fine sieve or chinois to remove the skin and seeds.
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Freeze in tupperware , stirring every few hours until you have granita.
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To assemble the salad, just slice the mozzarella into thinish rounds, top with a layer of basil leaves and cover with a mound of granita.
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Finish with a light drizzle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil along with a twist of black pepper.
