'Pizza Caprese' adored by Germans, is the sister of the classic
Italian pizza `Insalata Caprese' or Pizza Margherita where its dazzling
colours are prominently displayed. Having variations, in the `Pizza
Caprese', the red is signified by the tomato, the white for mozzarella
and the green for basil.
 Topping it tantalisingly is extra virgin olive oil or traditional
olive oil. The delicious topping of tomatoes with mozzarella and basil
can also be a refreshing summer salad. Mozzarella is ritually made from
the milk of water buffalo, probably since because in the 16th century,
the area of Naples was kept clean and there was enough space to keep
such animals so it was better to get buffalo milk.
Today in Sri Lanka, most of our buffalo curd comes from the rural
areas and factories that transport the buffalo milk from the villages to
the towns. However, as buffalo milk isn't used much today, a majority of
mozzarella is made from cow's milk. Italians yearn for the real delicacy
which is known as the `mozzarella bufala'.
The widespread habit in Germany for eating `Pizza Caprese' is using
balsamic vinegar as the salad dressing but the Italians frown at this
culinary habit was the richness and flavour of the mozzarella doesn't
come out. Other variations for `Pizza Caprese' include bocconcini cheese
which are rolled into balls and capers or oregano as an alternative to
basil is used.
In keeping with Asian traditions, you can even spice up your Caprese
with Mango! Harpo's Pizza brings their `Pizza Caprese' with good
mozzarella, specially imported Italian roma tomatoes, imported anchovies
with Nuwara-Eliya grown parsley and basil. All in all, a good Pizza
Caprese is a good delight for a hot summer's day to chill and unwind!
Winners:
1. H. Jayasinghe, Colombo-05
2. S. Leon, Mount Lavinia
3. S. Fernando, Wattala. |
