Alright, let’s create a Caprese Salad with a twist – the addition of truffles. For this dish, we’ll use black summer truffles. They have a more subtle flavor compared to their white counterparts, which makes them perfect for a dish like Caprese salad where we want the fresh flavors of tomato, basil, and mozzarella to shine through. The truffle will add an earthy undertone that complements these ingredients without overpowering them.
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe tomatoes: Their natural sweetness and acidity balance the rich, creamy mozzarella and earthy truffle.
- 1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese: Its creamy texture and mild flavor provide a nice contrast to the intense flavors of the other ingredients.
- 1 bunch fresh basil: Its aromatic freshness complements the richness of the cheese and truffle, and ties in with the freshness of the tomatoes.
- 1 black summer truffle: Black summer truffles are chosen for their subtle earthy and slightly sweet flavor. They won’t overpower the other ingredients but will add an extra layer of complexity to the dish.
- Extra virgin olive oil: It enhances the flavors of the truffle and adds a smooth, rich element to the salad.
- Balsamic reduction: Its sweet and tangy flavor contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients, adding depth and complexity.
- Sea salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a slight heat and complexity to the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Instructions:
- Preparation: Start by slicing the tomatoes and mozzarella into 1/4 inch thick slices. Arrange them on a platter, alternating and overlapping them for a visually appealing presentation.
- Adding Basil: Tuck whole leaves of fresh basil in between the tomato and mozzarella slices. The basil adds a fresh, aromatic element that’s essential in a Caprese salad.
- Truffle Time: Now, for our star ingredient – the truffle. Using a truffle slicer or a vegetable peeler, shave thin slices of the black summer truffle over the salad. The truffle will add a subtle earthy, nutty flavor that elevates the dish to a whole new level.
- Dressing: Drizzle the salad with a good quality extra virgin olive oil and a balsamic reduction. The oil will enhance the flavors of the truffle, while the balsamic reduction adds a sweet and tangy contrast.
- Seasoning: Finally, season the salad with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. These will enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients and tie the whole dish together.
This Caprese salad is a symphony of flavors – the sweet and acidic tomatoes, the creamy mozzarella, the fresh basil, and the earthy truffles all come together to create a dish that’s more than the sum of its parts. Enjoy this taste of summer, elevated.