Celebrate Mozzarella the Italian Way
Legend has it that mozzarella was first made when cheese curds accidently fell into a pail of hot water in a cheese factory near Naples. One of the most delicious dishes made using Mozzarella is Caprese salad or the Insalata Caprese. This dish marries some of the most notable ingredients in Italian cuisine including tomatoes, olive oil, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. The dish has been popular for many decades, but where did it actually come from?
The first origin story for Caprese salad dates back to 1920s. A patriotic mason wanted to make a dish that was a true tribute to Italy and that visually incorporated the tricolor into the presentation. The dish owes its popularity to King Farouk (1950s), who enjoyed it as a light afternoon snack. Soon the dish became a hit worldwide.
Enjoy a Bite of History
Like many Italian cuisine dishes, Caprese salad is so popular because it is so easy to prepare. To make your own Caprese salad, gather the following:
RRO fresh Mozzarella ball to slice into delicious chunks
Tomatoes that are perfectly ripe (not too mushy and not so firm that they are hard to cut)
Fresh basil leaves, broken by hand and sprinkled over the top
RRO Olivio Extra Virgin Olive Oil to drizzle
Salt and black pepper to season the salad
Your appetite for this delicious bite of Italian history!
Plate it all –
Place the tomato and mozzarella on the plate, overlapping slightly. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the plate, and season the salad with sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper.
