Name: Mozzarella with Spicy Tomatoes & Garlicky Sourdough Toast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp sherry vinegar; 10g chives, finely chopped; 1 red chilli, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, 1 grated and 1 whole; 250g tomatoes, a mix of colours and sizes, cut in half; 2-3 slices of sourdough bread; 240g ball of mozzarella

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Introduction

This Mozzarella with spicy tomatoes and garlicky toast is a fresh and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or appetizer. The juicy tomatoes are marinated with a zesty dressing, paired beautifully with creamy mozzarella and crunchy garlic-rubbed sourdough.

Two white plates each hold a slice of toasted bread at the bottom, topped with a thick layer of soft white cheese. On top of the cheese, there is a mix of halved cherry tomatoes in red, yellow, and green colors scattered around and on the toast. The dish is sprinkled with finely chopped green chives and drizzled with olive oil, adding a slight shine. The plates rest on a white marbled textured surface, with two forks and a part of a white cloth napkin partially visible near the bottom left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp sherry vinegar
10g chives, finely chopped
1 red chilli, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, 1 grated, 1 whole
250g tomatoes, a mix of colours and sizes, cut in half
2-3 slices of sourdough bread
240g ball of mozzarella

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, sherry vinegar, chives, red chilli, and grated garlic until well combined.
Step 2: Add the halved tomatoes to the bowl, stir gently to coat them in the dressing, then season with salt and pepper. Cover and set aside at room temperature for 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop.
Step 3: While the tomatoes marinate, toast the sourdough slices until golden and crisp.
Step 4: Rub the toasted bread with the whole garlic clove to infuse it with garlicky flavor.
Step 5: Tear the mozzarella over the garlic toast on serving plates, then spoon the spicy tomato mixture generously on top.

Tips & Variations

Use heirloom or cherry tomatoes for a variety of colors and natural sweetness.
Add fresh basil leaves to the tomato mixture for an herbal note.
For extra heat, include some crushed red pepper flakes alongside the chopped chilli.
Serve with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added depth and sweetness.

Storage

This dish is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store the tomato mixture separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The garlic toast and mozzarella are best served immediately and do not store well once assembled. Reheat the toast lightly if desired, but add mozzarella and tomatoes fresh.

How to Serve

Two slices of toasted bread are served on white plates, each topped with a thick, creamy layer of white cheese. On top of the cheese, there are bright, colorful cherry tomato halves in red, yellow, and green shades scattered both on the toast and around the plate. The toast is drizzled with olive oil, and finely chopped green herbs are sprinkled over the dish. The plates rest on a white marbled surface next to two silver forks and a salt or pepper grinder nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread instead of sourdough?

Yes, crusty breads like ciabatta or baguette slices work well as a substitute and provide a sturdy base for the toppings.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level depends on the red chilli used; you can adjust the amount or remove seeds to reduce spiciness according to your taste.