Southern European Caprese Ciabatta with Balsamic Glaze
In every corner of Southern Europe, where the sun-kissed tomatoes and the fragrant basil leaves grow with abandon, Caprese salad has long been a staple of the Italian dining experience. Yet, herein lies a modern twist on the classic: a Caprese Ciabatta. This delightful sandwich marries the simplicity of a Caprese salad with the rustic charm of a ciabatta roll, all brought together with a rich balsamic glaze. This Southern European twist on tradition is both satisfying and refreshingly light, perfect for a delightful dinner for two.
Serves: 2, Difficulty: Easy
Preparation Time: 10 minutes, Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 Ciabatta rolls
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- 100g mozzarella, sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bunch of fresh basil leaves
- 50ml balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of pepper
- 50ml olive oil
Method
- Preheat a grill pan on medium heat. Brush the ciabatta rolls with olive oil on the cut sides and grill them until they are light and crispy, about 2 minutes on each side.
- In a small saucepan, heat the balsamic vinegar with a pinch of salt and pepper until it reduces slightly and has a syrupy consistency, about 2 minutes. Allow cooling.
- Rub the minced garlic onto the grilled sides of the ciabatta rolls.
- Layer the sliced mozzarella, tomatoes, and red onion on the bottom half of the ciabatta. Add a generous amount of fresh basil leaves.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze generously over the toppings.
- Complete with the top half of the ciabatta roll, slice in half, and serve immediately.
Tips
- For a deeper flavor, let the balsamic glaze simmer and reduce for a bit longer.
- Ensure the mozzarella and tomatoes are fresh and of high quality for the best taste.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Per 100g | Per Serving |
---|---|---|
Energy | 250 kcal / 1045 kJ | 500 kcal / 2090 kJ |
Fat | 10g | 20g |
Saturated Fat | 4g | 8g |
Carbohydrates | 30g | 60g |
Sugars | 5g | 10g |
Proteins | 5g | 10g |
Salt | 1g | 2g |