Olive Salad

Ingredients

• 1 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup pitted green and black olives, halved
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 3 anchovy fillets, drained and chopped
• 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
• 1 garlic clove, pressed
  
• 8 fresh basil leaves, shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pound vine-ripened tomatoes (about 3 tomatoes)

Directions

Cook the balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat until thick, syrupy, and measuring 1/4 cup, about 20 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Combine the olives, parsley, anchovies, capers, garlic, basil, pepper, and olive oil in a small bowl and toss to combine.

To serve, slice the tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place, slightly overlapping, on a serving plate. Spoon the olive and parsley mixture over the tomatoes. Drizzle the reduced balsamic over the salad and serve.

Tomato salads are best in the summer when tomatoes are at their peak, but because of the intensity of the other ingredients, this salad is good anytime.

MY TIP: You must use a good quality balsamic vinegar or the vinegar will not reduce to a sweet syrup. Balsamic vinegar from Modena, found in an Italian specialty shoppe is recommended.