Caprese Salad
The edible Italian flag; no cooking required.
Timing: 5 mins
Caprese Salad
The edible Italian flag; no cooking required.
Timing: 5 mins
Key move
Sourcing. There is no cooking to hide behind. If the tomato is mealy or the mozzarella is rubbery, the dish fails.
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Leagues
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The Setup
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
The Mise en Place
5Your prep station before cooking begins
The Spice Blend (0/1)
The Pantry (0/1)
Other (0/3)
My plate has extra liquid pooling at the bottom.
Ah, I see. You salted the tomatoes too early, didn't you? That draws out all their precious juice. For next time, remember to salt them right before you serve. That way, you keep a…
My tomatoes taste bland and mealy.
That's a common one. Refrigeration is the enemy of tomato flavor – it kills the enzymes that make them taste so good. Always keep your tomatoes at room temperature. If they've been…
Chef's Notes
Use the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes you can find. Heirloom varieties are excellent.
Gently tear fresh basil leaves instead of chopping to preserve their delicate flavor and aroma.
Drizzle with high-quality balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy counterpoint.
Slice tomatoes and mozzarella ahead of time. Assemble just before serving to prevent sogginess.
The Method
LAYER
Alternate Tomato and Mozzarella slices on a plate.
Ingredients should be layered, not tossed, to preserve the distinct texture of the cheese
TUCK
Place Basil leaves between the layers.
Basil should be visible between layers
DRESS
Drizzle generously with Oil. Sprinkle with Salt. Note: Do not use balsamic vinegar if you want the traditional version; it overpowers the delicate cheese.
Oil should coat but not pool
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