Hot Caprese Appetizer

I recently tried a new restaurant in our neighborhood called Page Road Grill and was surprised to find an update to the century old dish Caprese Salad. This “hot” new version had warm fried tomatoes topped with melted mozzarella on a bed of leafy greens drizzled with balsamic glaze and extra virgin olive oil. I hope you enjoy my version of this recipe.

Makes 4-8 Servings

3-4 Tomato (1/2 inch slices)

¼-½ tsp Kosher Salt

1 tsp Dried Oregano

3-4 TBS Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 C Romaine Lettuce (chopped) *

1 C Shredded Mozzarella

2 TBS Balsamic Glaze*

2 TBS Mayonnaise

2 TBS Fresh Basil (chopped)

Large Broiler Proof Skillet

Preheat broiler on high.

Slice each tomato into half-inch slices and place on a large plate.

Chop the romaine into ½ inch strips and place on a large plate. Drizzle the balsamic glaze (see below) over the romaine. Place the mayonnaise into a small Ziploc bag. Clip off a small hole in a corner and stream the mayo over the romaine. (see photo)

Sprinkle ¼-½ teaspoon of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano over the tomatoes. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large broiler proof skillet and heat over medium high heat. When the oil starts to shimmer, place the tomatoes in the hot skillet. Fry for 1 minute then flip and immediately divide the cup of shredded mozzarella over the tomatoes. Place under the broiler until the mozzarella melts. Place the tomato slices on top of the dressed romaine and drizzle the entire dish with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and the chopped fresh basil.

Broiled Tomatoes

Balsamic Glaze

1 C Balsamic Vinegar

¼ C Brown Sugar

In a small saucepan, mix the balsamic vinegar with the brown sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer until glaze is reduced by half, about 20 minutes. Glaze should coat the back of a spoon. Store remainder in a jar in the refrigerator.

* Pronto Substitutes

Romaine – You can substitute everything from arugula to bib lettuce. The choice of lettuce is yours.

Balsamic Glaze – This thickened and sweetened balsamic vinegar is thick and sweet like maple syrup with the acidic taste of vinegar. You can purchase it in many megamarts or make your own.

To print a copy of this recipe go to Hot Caprese Appetizer.