So, let me tell you a little something I’ve learned after years of whipping up dishes in the kitchen: it’s never too late to learn something new.
Back in 2004 had the pleasure of spending some time in Italy, cooking lessons from Mama Agata herself. And let me tell you, that woman knows her stuff.
One thing Mama Agata really drove home for me was the importance of simplicity. She’s a firm believer in letting each ingredient shine on its own. According to her, the secret to great Italian cuisine isn’t about throwing everything together into a chaotic mix. Instead, it’s about using just a few fresh ingredients, so you can taste each one individually. It’s like giving each ingredient its own little spotlight. And honestly, that philosophy has stuck with me ever since.
If you’re skeptical, I’ve got something to prove my point: a simple, yet heavenly, Caprese salad recipe. It’s as easy as it gets, but trust me, the flavors will blow your mind. And the best part? The only trick is to use top-quality, in-season ingredients.
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Ingredients:
- 500 grams of the best, ripe tomatoes you can find. Mixed sizes and at room temperature.
- 225 to 350 grams of fresh mozzarella, torn into bite-sized chunks.
- The best extra-virgin olive oil you can get your hands on.
- Coarse sea salt.
- Freshly ground black pepper.
- 6 to 8 fresh basil leaves.
Directions:
- Slice and chunk the tomatoes, then spread them out on a large plate in a single, slightly overlapping layer.
- Tuck the mozzarella chunks among the tomatoes like you’re playing a very chill game of Tetris.
- Drizzle everything generously with extra-virgin olive oil.
- Sprinkle it with coarse sea salt and black pepper to taste.
- Tear the basil leaves into small pieces with your fingers and scatter them over the top.
- Serve immediately and prepare to be amazed by the magic of simplicity.
It turns out that cooking doesn’t always have to be complicated. Sometimes, as Mama Agata taught me, it’s about letting pure ingredients and honest flavors speak for themselves. I’ve been cooking for years, but this simple philosophy has made a huge difference in how I approach food.
So, the next time you’re in the kitchen, remember that less can definitely be more. And who knows? You might just surprise yourself with how delicious simple can be.
Ciao for now, and happy cooking!
