Oven-Fried Green Tomato Caprese Stacks
Reprinted with permission from Add a Pinch (Clarkson Potter, 2017).
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
4 large green tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices 1/2 cup buttermilk 2 large eggs 1 cup cornmeal 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 6 tablespoons canola oil, divided 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices 12 whole basil leaves balsamic reduction* Heat oven to 450 degrees. Line baking sheet with foil (to catch drippings) and place wire rack on baking sheet. Lightly spray rack with cooking spray or with oil using a mister. Line second baking sheet with paper towels. Place tomato slices on baking sheet lined with paper towels. Cover tomatoes with additional paper towels and pat dry. In a shallow dish, whisk together buttermilk and eggs. In a separate shallow dish, whisk together cornmeal, flour, salt and pepper. Working in batches, dip tomato slices into buttermilk mixture and then into cornmeal mixture, making sure both sides and all edges are well coated. In a medium skillet set over medium heat, heat 3 tablespoons oil until it begins to shimmer, about 1 minute. Cook tomatoes until lightly browned on 1 side, about 1 minute. Flip to brown other side, 1 more minute. Transfer to prepared wire rack. Repeat with remaining tomatoes. Bake until fork-tender, about 20 minutes. Assemble stacks by placing 1 tomato slice on a plate. Top with 1 slice mozzarella and then 1 basil leaf. Repeat with another tomato slice, mozzarella slice and basil leaf, and top with final tomato slice. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Drizzle with balsamic reduction and serve. *To make the balsamic reduction, place 1 cup balsamic vinegar in a small nonreactive saucepan set over low heat. Bring vinegar to a simmer; simmer until vinegar reduces by more than half and coats the back of a spoon, about 15 minutes. Remove pan from heat, cool and keep in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. |
Flavors pairing suggestion: La Delizia Prosecco Spumante Extra Dry
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