Briny and slightly crispy fried capers punch up the flavor of this classic Italian tomato and mozzarella salad. This recipe first appeared with Leah Koenig's web-exclusive story One Ingredient, Many Ways: Capers.
Find this recipe in our cookbook, SAVEUR: Italian Comfort Food
Ingredients
- Olive oil, for frying and drizzling
- 1⁄4 cup brine-packed capers, drained and patted dry
- 12 fresh basil leaves, patted dry
- 3 medium vine-ripe tomatoes, cored and sliced 1/4” thick
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella, sliced 1/4” thick
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Balsamic vinegar, for drizzling
ADVERTISEMENTADAD
Instructions
Step 1
Pour oil into a 2-qt. saucepan until a depth of 1⁄2” is reached. Heat over medium-high heat. Add capers and cook, stirring occasionally, until popped open and crisp, 1–2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain. Working in batches, fry basil leaves until crisp, about 30 seconds. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
Step 2
To serve, arrange tomato and mozzarella slices in an alternating pattern on a serving plate. Tuck the fried basil pieces between the tomato and mozzarella, season to taste with salt and pepper, and scatter with fried capers. Drizzle with vinegar and olive oil.
Keep Reading
Continue to Next Story
ADVERTISEMENTADAD
