I must admit this is one of my favorites. The classics never get old for a reason! While studying abroad in Florence, Italy, my host mom made caprese all the time as an afternoon aperitivo. Alongside an Aperol spritz, caprese was the best snack as it was full of flavor and not overly filling. Caprese is also a nostalgic meal for me as I grew up with my grandma’s version. I can vividly remember her picking fresh heirloom tomatoes from the garden and me helping pick fresh basil. The most important part according to my grandma and my host mom was the quality of olive oil used. I never understood the importance of olive oil until I lived in Italy. Different oils are used for specific meals based on the depth of flavor you’re hoping to achieve for the dish. The quality of olive oils in Italy is arguably the best in the world. Since moving back to the States, I am extra conscious of where my olive oil is imported from. It may seem minimal but in the grand scheme of things, this tip has changed my life.
I digress…the reason this recipe is named “The Elevated Caprese” is because of the spin I’ve added to it. Growing up in an Arabic family has introduced me to the endless number of spices to change up any basic dish. To honor my grandma and all the happy memories I have of eating this dish in her garden, I added Middle Eastern spices. Za’atar and sumac are two seasonings that my family use for several dishes, but the combination of flavors is SO dang delicious. A little goes a long way, so be careful to stick to the measurements provided below. I personally enjoy adding extra Za’atar because I’m obsessed but up to your flavor pallet. I love that such a classic recipe could be spiced up so easily. This is a must-try but I encourage you to get creative with your favorite spices! Properly spicing any dish is key to elevating your meals.
Ingredients:
20-30 halved Cherry tomatoes
1 bundle of Mint
8-12 oz of Mozzarella Cheese
1 tbs of Za’atar
1 tbs Sumac
1 tsp of Flakey salt
1 tsp of pepper
Drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (the key is great olive oil)
Drizzle of balsamic glaze
How To:
Chop the tomatoes, mozzarella, and mint. Place into the serving bowl.
Add all the spices. And finish it off with oil and vinegar
Enjoy with fresh bread or crackers.