Tuscan Tomato Mozzarella Basil (Print View)

Colorful layers of ripe tomato, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze.

# Components:

→ Fresh Produce

01 - 4 medium ripe tomatoes
02 - 1 small bunch fresh basil leaves

→ Dairy

03 - 8.8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese

→ Pantry

04 - 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
05 - 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
06 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
07 - Sea salt, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Cut tomatoes and mozzarella into eight uniform rounds approximately 0.4 inches thick each.
02 - Wash fresh basil leaves thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel.
03 - Arrange a tomato slice on the serving platter, followed by a mozzarella slice and a basil leaf. Repeat layering to achieve three to four stacked layers, finishing with basil on top.
04 - Insert a long toothpick or bamboo skewer vertically through the center of each assembled stack to maintain stability.
05 - Drizzle each stack evenly with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper according to preference.
06 - Present immediately as a refreshing, colorful starter.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in 15 minutes, which means you can impress people without spending your evening in the kitchen.
  • The layers taste better with each bite because the flavors have time to mingle while you're still eating.
  • It's naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, so you're not leaving anyone at the table hungry.
02 -
  • Dry your basil thoroughly after washing or it will wilt and release water that makes everything slippery. I learned this the hard way when my first stack collapsed mid-assembly.
  • Room-temperature mozzarella slices cleanly without crumbling, so take it out of the fridge 20 minutes before you start cutting.
03 -
  • Invest in a serrated knife for tomatoes and keep your regular knife sharp for the mozzarella. The tools make all the difference when you're working with soft ingredients.
  • If your tomatoes aren't perfectly ripe, a pinch of sugar in the drizzle can brighten them and remind people why summer tomatoes are worth waiting for.
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