Mozzarella with Tomato Jam

Mozzarella, tomato, and basil is a classic Italian flavor combination. In this version, the tomato is in the form of a jam, which concentrates the natural sweetness of the tomato.

Mozzarella with tomato jam on basil leaf

Here’s a recipe for the tomato jam

2 pints cherry tomatoes

1/2 cup simple syrup (1/4 cup water and 1/4 cup sugar brought to boil)

1 tbsp juniper berries, ground in spice grinder or mortar & pestle

pinch salt

a couple basil leaves, thinly sliced

1 ounce vegetable stock or water

In a small pot, mix the ingredients and bring to a fast simmer (don’t boil). Simmer until the mixture reduces down to a jam-like consistency.

To serve: slice a ball of fresh mozzarella into three or four slices and shingle on left half of plate. On right half of plate, lay down one whole basil leaf. Spoon some tomato jam on top of the leaf. Sprinkle a little sea salt and black pepper over the mozzarella, and serve.