Description
Ina Garten’s Caprese salad celebrates Italian summer flavors with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Drizzled with quality olive oil and balsamic glaze, this simple recipe brings Mediterranean charm to your table with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise, seeds (not cores) removed
- 16 ounces (453 grams) fresh salted mozzarella
- 12 fresh basil leaves, julienned
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) good olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 ½ tablespoons (22 milliliters) balsamic vinegar
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Dressing and Garnish:
- Additional olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Combine chopped vegetables, minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced chili peppers in a large preserving pan, allowing them to slowly release natural juices over medium heat.
- Cover the pan with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for approximately 60 minutes (1 hour), occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of vegetables.
- Incorporate remaining ingredients into the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously until granulated sugar completely dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble.
- Remove lid and continue cooking at a rolling boil for 25-30 minutes, stirring frequently to develop a thick, chunky texture and eliminate excess liquid.
- Monitor the chutney closely during the final cooking stage, using a wooden spoon to prevent ingredients from scorching or adhering to the bottom of the preserving pan.
- Carefully transfer the hot chutney into sterilized glass jars (approximately or 450 grams each) using a clean funnel to minimize spills and potential burns.
- Immediately seal jars with sterilized screw-top lids while the chutney remains piping hot, ensuring a proper vacuum seal for long-term preservation.
Notes
- Butter works magic on pan surfaces, creating a non-stick shield that prevents stubborn pie sticking.
- Sizzling beef transforms from pale to rich brown, releasing deep umami flavors that elevate the entire dish.
- Patience matters when cooling meat mixtures, allowing temperatures to settle and preventing soggy cream cheese layers.
- Mixing ingredients at room temperature helps blend seamlessly, ensuring smooth and consistent texture throughout.
- Fresh herbs sprinkled on top can brighten the entire dish, adding a burst of color and unexpected freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg