Tomato, Smoked Mozzarella and Arugula Basil Salad with Radish, Aged Balsamic, Lemon and Olive Oil.
Tomato, Basil, Mozzarella, Arugula, Balsamic... what is better? Well... almost nothing, except for when the tomato is heirloom and plum, the basil fresh from the garden and the mozzarella is smoked. This is one of my all time favorite dishes to eat and to make. It is visually stunning and perfect for any gathering. Make this and impress your friends and family with complex flavor, simplicity and something that is more beautiful then the ingredients themselves.
Serves 8
Ingredients
Smoked Mozzarella - 1 large bundle
Heirloom Tomato - 4 each (cut into wedges)
Arugula - 3 large handfuls
Radish - 4 each sliced thin
Extra Virgin Olive Oil - 4 tbsp
Aged Balsamic - 2 tbsp
Lemon Juice - 1 lemon juiced
Maldon Salt - to taste
Black Pepper - to taste
Method
Wash all of the produce. Next slice the tomato into some cool shaped wedges. They do not have to be perfect or all the same. I like to slice the tomato in half from top to bottom, then cut those halves into 4 or 5 pieces. Then cut those wedges in half so they are sorter thicker. Do it at different angles so when they lay on the plate they make different shapes.
Do the same with the mozzarella. and slice the radish.
Lightly dress the arugula with olive oil, lemon, salt and pepper.
To prepare the plate by evenly placing the mozzarella and tomatoes around. Season them with a bit of salt and pepper. Spread the arugula around the plate and top with radishes. Then drizzle the whole plate with some more olive oil and the balsamic. Give a few cracks of pepper and serve!