The Editors of Saveur

Caprese Salad with Fried Basil & Capers

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Preparation info
  • Serves

    4–6

    • Difficulty

      Easy

Appears in
Italian Comfort Food
Italian Comfort Food

By The Editors of Saveur

Published 2015

  • About

Fried briny capers and sweet basil leaves punch up the flavor in this adaptation of the classic in salata caprese from the island of Capri in the Gulf of Naples. Use caution when frying the basil, as it has a tendency to cause spattering when submerged in hot oil.

Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • ¼ cup capers, drained and patted dry

Method

  1. Heat oil in a 4-qt. saucepan over medium-high. Cook capers until crisp, 6–8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer capers to paper towels to drain. Working in batches, fry basil leaves until crisp, about 30 seconds, and transfer to paper towels to drain.
  2. To serve, arr