Enrica:
fresh, amazing dish which I made on a hot summer day, I had to use stracchino instead of crescenza, and I was NOT disappointed!
If you're a fan of the timeless Caprese salad—that vibrant mix of juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and luscious buffalo mozzarella—you'll be captivated by this innovative spin on a classic Italian favorite.
This recipe introduces Crescenza cheese, a creamy delight made from cow's milk, renowned for its delicate texture, somewhere between a velvety cream cheese and a fresh mozzarella. Crescenza has roots in the Lombardy and Piedmont regions, where it has been appreciated for centuries for its melt-in-your-mouth quality and subtle tang.
Adding to the symphony of flavors are the sweet, crisp slices of Tropea onions from Calabria, a prized Italian onion celebrated for its mildness and vibrant color. If you prefer to skip raw onions, feel free, but soaking them as outlined in the recipe transforms their taste, rendering them gentle and easy to digest.
What truly elevates this dish is the playful addition of seasonal Italian cherries. These ruby gems, harvested at the height of spring, bring a burst of sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the savory and creamy notes.
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IngredientsTry it with...
Preparation
for servings
Step
1
Of 3
Using a sharp knife or mandoline, finely slice the Tropea red onion into paper-thin rings. Submerge the slices in a bowl filled with cold water and a generous splash of vinegar, letting them soak for about one hour. This traditional method not only mellows the onion's sharpness but also enhances its natural sweetness, making it easier to digest and beautifully aromatic.
Step
2
Of 3
Once the onions have soaked, thoroughly rinse and pat dry the cherry tomatoes. Quarter them and place in a bowl, drizzling with extra-virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt to coax out their flavors. Next, rinse and dry the cherries. Cut them in half, carefully removing the pits. Toss the cherries with the tomatoes for a fresh medley. When the onions are ready, drain them well; for best results, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel and gently squeeze to remove excess liquid.
Step
3
Of 3
Cut the Crescenza cheese into slices about 1 cm thick, making sure each piece is sturdy enough to handle the juicy topping. Arrange several slices on each serving plate. Artistically spoon the cherry-and-tomato mixture beside the cheese, then crown with a scattering of the mellowed onions. Finish with a drizzle of premium olive oil, a sprinkle of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Serve the salad at room temperature for the fullest expression of flavor.
Try it with...
Filippo Bartolotta
...Great Italian Goodies!
A definite balance between sweet and savory flavors that linger pleasantly.
View productA definite balance between sweet and savory flavors that linger pleasantly.
View product
Enrica Sunday 6th of June 2021
FRESH AND AMAZING!
fresh, amazing dish which I made on a hot summer day, I had to use stracchino instead of crescenza, and I was NOT disappointed!