Caprese Finger Food Recipe
If you’re looking for a unique twist on the classic Caprese salad, this Caprese Finger Food recipe is the perfect option. It’s an elegant and bite-sized version of the traditional dish, ideal as an appetizer for a gathering or a refined starter for a dinner party. This dish combines the freshness of cherry tomatoes with the rich creaminess of stracciatella cheese and a refreshing basil cream layer. The careful layering process, complemented by the tangy gelatine-based tomato sauce, creates a delightful burst of flavors in each bite.
Servings: 4 | Preparation Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (including chilling)
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cherry tomatoes (Pachino) | 300g |
| Gelatin sheets | 6g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 4 tbsp |
| Fresh basil | 18g |
| Fine salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Stracciatella cheese | 250g |
| Cow’s ricotta | 200g |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~200 kcal |
| Protein | ~10g |
| Carbohydrates | ~5g |
| Fat | ~18g |
| Fiber | ~1g |
(Note: Nutritional information may vary based on exact ingredient brands and serving sizes.)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Gelatin:
Start by soaking the gelatin sheets in a bowl of cold water for at least 10 minutes. This will help soften the gelatin and make it easier to incorporate into your dish later. -
Prepare the Cherry Tomatoes:
Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly under running water. Cut each tomato in half and season with a pinch of salt. In a skillet, heat a little extra virgin olive oil and sauté the tomatoes just until they begin to release their juice. Once they start softening, remove from the heat and pass them through a food mill or sieve to separate the skins and seeds, ensuring that only the smooth tomato sauce remains. Set aside to cool. -
Incorporate the Gelatin:
After the gelatin sheets have soaked for 10 minutes, squeeze out the excess water and add them to the warm tomato sauce, stirring until the gelatin dissolves completely. This step will help set the tomato base as it chills. -
Assemble the First Layer:
Pour the prepared tomato sauce into four 100ml glasses or small containers, ensuring an even layer in each. Place the glasses in the refrigerator and allow them to set for at least one hour. -
Prepare the Stracciatella Cheese:
While the tomato sauce is setting, place the stracciatella cheese in a fine-mesh strainer to drain off any excess liquid. Use a spoon to gently press the cheese and extract more moisture. This will leave you with a thicker, creamier texture for layering. -
Make the Basil Cream:
In a food processor or blender, combine the cow’s ricotta with the fresh basil leaves (about 15g) and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Once blended, transfer the basil cream into a piping bag with the tip removed or use a plastic bag with the tip snipped off to make a makeshift piping bag. -
Layer the Caprese Finger Food:
Once the tomato base has set, it’s time to add the next layers. Gently break the stracciatella into small pieces and layer it over the tomato base. Use your fingers to evenly distribute the cheese. -
Finish with Basil Cream:
Lastly, use the piping bag to carefully fill the remaining space in each glass with the basil cream, creating a smooth and decorative top layer. This will give your Caprese Finger Food a beautiful, creamy finish. -
Chill and Serve:
Place the assembled glasses back in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to an hour, allowing the layers to firm up further. Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing combination of creamy stracciatella, tangy tomato, and aromatic basil.
Tips for Success:
- Gelatin: If you don’t have gelatin sheets, you can substitute them with powdered gelatin. Use about 1 tablespoon of powdered gelatin to replace the 6g of sheets.
- Stracciatella: Stracciatella is the key to adding creaminess to the Caprese. If you can’t find stracciatella cheese, a similar soft cheese like burrata or ricotta can work as well.
- Tomatoes: Make sure to use ripe, flavorful cherry tomatoes to get the best taste. Pachino tomatoes are ideal for their sweetness and juiciness.
- Layering: Be patient when layering each component, as the layers create a beautiful presentation that is both visually and gastronomically pleasing.
This Caprese Finger Food is a delightful way to enjoy all the flavors of the classic Caprese salad in a bite-sized, sophisticated form. It’s the perfect appetizer for your next gathering, impressing guests with both its vibrant colors and rich, harmonious flavors.
