Prepare to transform ordinary cherry tomatoes into a culinary masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Slow Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad is not just a recipe—it's an experience that elevates the classic Italian salad to new heights of flavor intensity. By slow-roasting tomatoes to perfection, we unlock a depth of sweetness and concentration that will have your dinner guests begging for the secret behind this incredible dish.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C), which is a low temperature for slow roasting the tomatoes.
- Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Spread the cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes, then sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gently toss to coat evenly.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and slow roast for approximately 2 hours, until the tomatoes are slightly shriveled and concentrated in flavor but still retain some juiciness.
- Remove the roasted tomatoes from the oven and let them cool to room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- While tomatoes are cooling, tear fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces.
- In a serving dish, arrange the slow-roasted tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls.
- Scatter the torn basil leaves over the tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Drizzle any remaining olive oil from the roasting pan over the salad for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately at room temperature to enjoy the full depth of flavors.
Tips
- • Choose the ripest, most vibrant cherry tomatoes for the best results. Look for deep red, firm tomatoes with a slight give when gently pressed. • Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the roasting process and add richness to the final dish. • Don't rush the roasting process—low and slow is the key to developing complex, concentrated tomato flavors. • Let the tomatoes cool slightly after roasting to allow their flavors to settle and intensify. • For the freshest taste, use room temperature mozzarella and tear basil leaves just before serving. • If possible, use fresh, locally sourced mozzarella for the most authentic and creamy texture. • This dish is best served immediately after preparation to enjoy the optimal balance of warm roasted tomatoes and fresh ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
