Region: Campania
Capri is a wonderful island not too far from Naples. You can easily get there from the port of Naples via a 45 minute ferry. I was there last year and I will never forget the charm of this little town. Everybody should go there one day, in my opinion it is one of the seven wonders of Italy and one of Italy’s best kept secrets. Well, I must admit perhaps it is no longer a secret, as the “piazetta” which is the town square was always pretty abundant of tourists from all over the world. Even famous actors and singers enjoy a visit in Capri and they spend the night in its very expensive hotels or shop in its very expensive stores.
The views from the high cliffs are breath taking and the smell of the salty water below surely will get you hungry. I had the pleasure of tasting my first Caprese salad in this charming town. Caprese salad should be tasted in Capri or the surrounding areas for authenticity. This is because the Caprese salad requires a special mozzarella called “mozzarella di bufala” which translated means mozzarella made from a special breed of buffalo.
The plate itself is very simple and is served as an appetizer. Its uniqueness is really due to the freshness of the products rather than a secret ingredient. The dish is not elaborate at all and its success relies on the simple mingling tastes of the Mediterranean cuisine. You can make this recipe at home, but should you have the chance, try it in Capri, the taste will be an everlasting memory…
Ingredients for 4 people:
1 mozzarella di bufala
2 Roma tomatoes
4 basil leaves
Salt
Pepper
extra virgin olive oil
radicchio and rucola leaves to garnish
Directions:
Slice the buffalo mozzarella. You do not want the slices to be too thin. Rather give them a bit of thickness. Slice the Roma tomatoes. Place one slice tomato, one slice mozzarella slightly overlapping them on top of each other. You should have a very decorative dish at this point.
Place the minced basil leaves on top of each slice. Sprinkle some salt and a dash of pepper.
Finally pour a drizzle of the best extra virgin olive oil and garnish with the colorful radicchio and rucola leaves.
Voila’ the dish is ready. Have you noticed that the colors are the same of the Italian flag? You will see green, white and red. Enjoy the freshness and share with your family. This dish is great on one of those hot summer days since it is very refreshing. Now enjoy!