Imagine a dish that captures the essence of Italian cuisine in just a few simple ingredients - a vibrant, fresh masterpiece that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast. This Garlic Basil Tomatoes with Mozzarella recipe is not just a side dish; it's a culinary experience that combines the juicy sweetness of ripe tomatoes, the creamy richness of fresh mozzarella, and the aromatic punch of garlic and basil. Perfect for summer gatherings, elegant dinner parties, or a quick gourmet lunch, this recipe is so simple yet so impressive that it will make you look like a professional chef with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large tomatoes, sliced
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the fresh tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water and pat them dry with clean paper towels. Using a sharp knife, slice the tomatoes into even, approximately 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- Prepare the fresh mozzarella by removing it from packaging and slicing into similar thickness as the tomato slices, ensuring uniform presentation and even melting.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves using a sharp knife or a garlic press, releasing their aromatic oils and intense flavor.
- Wash the fresh basil leaves and pat them dry. Chop the basil into fine, delicate pieces using a sharp herb knife or kitchen scissors.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil and minced garlic, whisking them together to create a fragrant infused oil that will enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Arrange the tomato slices on a serving platter, creating a slightly overlapping pattern to create an attractive presentation.
- Layer the mozzarella slices alternately between the tomato slices, ensuring each slice has a piece of cheese.
- Drizzle the garlic-infused olive oil evenly over the tomatoes and mozzarella, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh basil generously over the arranged tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, using a light hand to enhance the natural flavors.
- For best flavor, let the dish sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Optional: If desired, briefly broil the dish for 2-3 minutes to slightly melt the mozzarella and warm the tomatoes, creating a more luxurious texture.
Tips
- Choose the freshest ingredients: Select ripe, in-season tomatoes and high-quality fresh mozzarella for the best flavor.
- Let ingredients come to room temperature before serving to enhance their natural flavors and textures.
- Use a sharp knife when slicing tomatoes and mozzarella to ensure clean, even cuts that look professionally prepared.
- Don't rush the garlic-infused olive oil - let it sit for a few minutes to maximize the flavor infusion.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider using flaky sea salt instead of regular table salt when seasoning.
- If broiling, watch the dish carefully to prevent burning and achieve a perfect light golden color.
- This dish is best served immediately after preparation to maintain the fresh texture of the tomatoes and the softness of the mozzarella.
- For a more intense flavor, you can add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 170kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
