Imagine a dish so luxurious and simple that it transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. This Poached Mozzarella in Tomato Broth is not just a recipe—it's an Italian-inspired experience that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched kitchens of Naples. With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking skills, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish that looks impressive and tastes absolutely divine.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 balls of fresh mozzarella
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 balls of fresh mozzarella, 2 cups of tomato sauce, 1 clove of garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon of olive oil, fresh basil leaves, salt, and pepper.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can become bitter.
- Add the 2 cups of tomato sauce to the saucepan with the sautéed garlic. Stir well to combine the garlic with the sauce.
- Season the tomato sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld together.
- While the sauce is simmering, prepare the fresh mozzarella. If the mozzarella balls are large, you may want to cut them in half to ensure they poach evenly.
- After the sauce has simmered, gently lower the mozzarella balls into the tomato broth. Make sure they are submerged in the sauce.
- Cover the saucepan and let the mozzarella poach in the tomato broth for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are soft and slightly melted.
- Once the mozzarella is ready, remove the saucepan from heat. Carefully transfer the poached mozzarella and tomato broth to serving bowls.
- Garnish each bowl with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and a touch of color.
- Serve immediately, enjoying the delightful combination of creamy mozzarella in a rich tomato broth. This dish pairs well with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips
- Choose high-quality, fresh mozzarella for the best flavor and texture. Fresh, soft mozzarella balls work best for this recipe.
- Control your heat carefully when sautéing garlic to prevent burning. Low to medium heat is key for releasing flavor without bitterness.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce or a splash of white wine while simmering.
- If your mozzarella is large, cutting it in half ensures even poaching and a more consistent texture throughout.
- Fresh basil is crucial—use it generously and add just before serving to maintain its bright, aromatic quality.
- Serve immediately after poaching to enjoy the mozzarella at its most creamy and delicate state.
- Pair with crusty bread or a light salad to make this a complete, satisfying meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 80mg
