Insalata Caprese with a Twist

 

Ingredients

  • 650 g ripe plum tomatoes (halved)
  • 2 tblsp olive oil, extra virgin, for roasting
  • 250 g mozzarella cheese
  • 3 tblsp chopped or shredded fresh basil leaves
  • 60 ml olive oil, extra virgin (for the dressing)
  • 1 tblsp balsamic vinegar, for the dressing
  • sea salt and black pepper, for seasoning
  • 60 g 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.