Decadent Caprese Recipe
Category: Appetizers
Serves: 4
The Decadent Caprese is a luxurious twist on the traditional Italian dish, blending the creamy richness of burrata with the crispy texture of fried cherry tomatoes and the fragrant freshness of basil. This delightful antipasto combines crunchy rice flour crisps with velvety burrata cheese for a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for impressing guests or elevating a cozy meal at home!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Burrata | 600g |
| Fresh Basil | 15g |
| Salt | to taste |
| Cherry Tomatoes (pomodorini ciliegino) | 220g |
| All-Purpose Flour (Farina 00) | 50g |
| Water | 70g |
| Poppy Seeds (Semi di papavero) | 85g |
| Fine Salt (Sale fino) | to taste |
| Rice Flour (Farina di riso) | 35g |
| Olive Oil (for frying) | 500g (seed oil) |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Olio extravergine d’oliva) | to taste |
| Water | 27g |
| Fine Salt | 3g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Rice Flour Crisps:
Start by making the rice flour crisps, the key component of this decadent dish. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with the rice flour (Artemide or Venere varieties work best). Add a pinch of fine salt, 4g of olive oil, and water. Mix the ingredients until the dough comes together, and then knead lightly on a work surface dusted with rice flour. Use a 9.5 cm round cutter to shape the dough into 4 disks. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. -
Baking the Crisps:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the rice flour disks in the ventilated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges begin to curl and they become slightly golden. -
Prepare the Cherry Tomatoes:
While the crisps bake, wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Prepare a batter by mixing together flour, water, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Set up two shallow bowls: one with flour and another with poppy seeds. -
Fry the Cherry Tomatoes:
Take each cherry tomato, first coat it lightly in the flour, then dip it into the batter, ensuring it’s fully covered. Immediately fry the tomatoes in hot seed oil (about 170°C or 340°F). Fry them in batches for around 30 seconds, or until they become golden and crispy. Once fried, place them on a plate lined with paper towels and sprinkle with salt. -
Assemble the Dish:
To assemble, place half a burrata on each plate, spreading it gently with the back of a spoon. Layer a crispy rice flour disk on top of the burrata. Then, carefully arrange 4-6 fried cherry tomatoes around the burrata, along with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top to enhance the flavors. -
Serve:
Serve the Decadent Caprese immediately, allowing the creamy burrata to melt slightly under the warmth of the crispy elements. Enjoy the interplay of textures and flavors: creamy, crispy, and fresh with each bite.
Serving Tips:
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio or a Vermentino, which complements the richness of the burrata and the crispiness of the fried tomatoes.
- For a touch of extra indulgence, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the top just before serving.
This Decadent Caprese is a beautiful and elevated take on a traditional Italian antipasto, perfect for those who appreciate complex textures and bold flavors. The crispy rice flour crisps and poppy seed-coated tomatoes add an unexpected yet delicious crunch that perfectly contrasts the creamy burrata and the aromatic basil, creating an unforgettable appetizer.
