Recipe: Fresh Mozzarella with Tomato Coulis and Basil

by Michelle Dudash, Chef and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

August 22, 2012 • 0 comments

Italy, take me back. I dream of the day I’ll return for a visit and dine on oodles of freshly made pasta, sipping wine on a veranda overlooking rolling fields of vineyards.

Years ago in Tuscany, my husband and I ventured to the little town of Lucca to participate in a private hands-on cooking class with chef Paolo Monti at Hotel Carignano. Chef taught us how to prepare dishes including Insalata di Arance e Gamberetti (Orange and Shrimp Salad), Risotto ai Gamberetti, Rucola e Zafferano (Seafood Risotto with Shrimp and Saffron), Farfalle alla Fonduta Piccante di Pomodoro e Mozzarella (Butterfly Pasta with Creamy Mozzarella Tomato Sauce), and this Mozzarella Fresca al Frullato di Pomodoro (Fresh Mozzarella with Raw Tomato Sauce).

This recipe offers a new spin on the popular flavors of caprese salad. Enjoy tomatoes now while at their peak in sweetness and juiciness. If have leftover coulis, you can do what I do and sip it like a smoothie, it’s so light and refreshing.

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Fresh Mozzarella with Tomato Coulis and Basil

To make the coulis:

2 medium tomatoes (red, yellow, or orange), quartered

1 medium scallion, cut into fourths

1 celery stick heart, without leaves, cut into chunks

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

2 pinches salt

1 pinch raw sugar

3 tablespoons good quality extra-virgin olive oil

For the salad:

9-ounce ball of fresh mozzarella, sliced into medallions

2 tablespoons good quality extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon balsamic syrup (optional)

Tiny basil leaves

Flaked sea salt, like Maldon sea salt flakes (my new obsession)

To make the coulis: Puree the tomatoes, scallion, celery, vinegar and salt in a food processor, drizzling in oil to create a smooth sauce. Spoon the coulis onto a large platter or individual plates.

To assemble the salad: Arrange the mozzarella over the coulis and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic syrup (optional). Sprinkle with basil and flaked salt.

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 0 minutes

Makes 4 servings, plus a bit of extra sauce

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 325 calories, 28 g total fat (10 g saturated fat, x g trans fat), 445 mg sodium, 50 mg cholesterol, 5 g total carbohydrate (1 g fiber), 15 g protein, 3% DV iron, 33% DV calcium, 20% DV Vitamin A, 14% DV Vitamin C.

You might also enjoy:

Tuscan Bread, Grilled Bell Pepper, and Tomato Salad (Panzanella)

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