recipes

Insalata Caprese

The most traditional of Italian salads, with a twist. Take from Episode 8 of Catherine's Roman Holiday.

Ingredients

• 650g ripe plum tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil, extra virgin, for roasting
• 250g mozzarella cheese
• 3 tbsp chopped or shredded fresh basil leaves
• 60ml olive oil, extra virgin, for the dressing
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, for the dressing
• Sea salt and black pepper, for seasoning
• 60g green olives, whole

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / Gas 4.
2. Slice the tomatoes in half lengthways, deseed and place on a roasting tray. Drizzle over olive oil and a little black pepper. Roast for about 40 minutes. Allow to cool.
3. Slice the mozzarella cheese about ½ cm thick.
4. Using a rectangular presentation platter, place bands of tomato, followed by cheese and then the olives across the platter.
5. Sprinkle with the basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and sea salt.