Beyond Pasta and Pizza: The Caprese Salad
Beyond pasta and pizza, Italian cuisine boasts thousands of recipes that have conquered the world with their flavour and quality ingredients. One such recipe is the Caprese salad, a speciality originating from the island of Capri that has become an icon of Italian gastronomy. We’re not sure if the secret to its success lies in the colour combination—red, white, and green, like the Italian flag—or perhaps in its simplicity. With just three ingredients: tomato, mozzarella, and basil, this salad is believed to have been created in the 1920s as a fresh and healthy alternative for the hot Mediterranean summer months.
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1. Three Different Origins of the Caprese Salad
Although the origin of the Caprese salad is confirmed to be on the beautiful island of Capri, the reasons for its creation have various interpretations. Here are some of the most popular versions:
Version 1
It is believed that a bricklayer on the island, tired of eating the same sandwich every day, decided to innovate his snack. Inspired by the colours of his nation’s flag, he combined tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
Version 2
According to another version, King Farouk I of Egypt (1920–1965), who used to holiday in Capri, requested a refreshing dish after long hours of bathing and sunbathing. A light salad with seasonal products was prepared for him, giving birth to the Caprese.
Version 3
A final version attributes the recipe to the Hotel Quisisana, which created it in honour of Filippo Tommaso Marinetti, founder of the Futurist movement, who had expressed disdain for Italy’s excessive pasta consumption.
2. Quality Ingredients
The secret to a great Caprese salad doesn’t lie in its preparation but in the quality of its ingredients. Here’s how to identify them:
- Tomato: A good tomato, such as the "Oxheart" variety, is ideal due to its large size, irregular shape, and juicy flesh.
- Mozzarella: Authentic mozzarella for Caprese should be made from buffalo milk, from the region, and served at a temperature between 28 and 30 °C.
- Basil: For an aromatic touch, fresh basil leaves harvested in summer are essential.
3. Other Recipes Inspired by the Caprese
The success of the Caprese salad has led to its inclusion on the menu of nearly every restaurant, as well as the creation of other dishes inspired by this combination of ingredients. Today, you can find:
- Caprese Pizza: featuring tomato, mozzarella, and basil.
- Caprese Sandwich: a delicious version served in bread.
- Pasta, empanadas, and skewers: incorporating the ingredients and style of the Caprese.
- Stuffed Chicken Breasts: a popular option for main courses.
There are also many variations, some of which include ingredients like avocado, pesto, or burrata. Presentations vary as well: in timbale form, carpaccio-style, or layered for a more elegant appearance.
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