Description
Bursting with fresh flavors, this elegant salad features NC heirloom tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a unique black garlic-balsamic emulsion.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 lbs (1 kg) NC heirloom tomatoes
- 1 lbs (454 g) Fresh mozzarella
- 1 cups (237 ml) Black garlic-balsamic emulsion
- NC grown flowering basil
- Basil infused olive oil
- Tomato powder
- Crystalized basil sugar
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 2 Bulbs black garlic
- 1 cups (237 ml) Olive oil
- 2 cups (473 ml) Balsamic vinegar
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 Sprig thyme
- 4 Black peppercorns
- 1/4 tsp Fennel seed
Instructions
- Make the black garlic oil:
- Place the reserved garlic peels and olive oil in a small pot and bring to 180°F (82°C). Remove from direct heat and allow to steep for twenty minutes. Strain, chill, and reserve for later use.
- Make the black garlic puree:
- Place cleaned garlic cloves into a food processor and puree while slowly adding the chilled black garlic oil. Scrape down the sides of the food processor bowl several times to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
- Make the balsamic reduction:
- Place the balsamic vinegar and all toasted seeds and aromatics in a medium-sized pot and reduce over low heat by 70%. Strain, chill, and reserve for later use.
- Make the emulsion:
- Whisk together the finished black garlic puree and the balsamic reduction to form a smooth paste. Season to taste with salt and white pepper.
- Method for assembly:
- On chilled plates, swipe the emulsion to create a base. Arrange the seasoned tomatoes, mozzarella, and flowering basil. Use the remaining four garnishes sparingly to balance the flavor and design of the dish.
Notes
- For best flavor, use very ripe, but firm heirloom tomatoes. Avoid tomatoes that are overly soft or bruised.
- If black garlic is unavailable, substitute roasted garlic for a similar savory depth of flavor.
- To keep the mozzarella fresh and prevent it from becoming watery, add it to the salad just before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 20