One of my favorite restaurant in Italy is high on a hill overlooking the magnificent valley below Panzano in Tuscany. To arrive there, you drive up a winding road from Greve up through vineyards and olive groves for about 10 km. It takes about 30 minutes. And it is truly worth it!
There, in the tiny hamlet of Lamole, you will find the Ristoro di Lamole. The view is beyond spectacular and the food is even better. The two owners Felipe and Paolo make you feel right at home and their chef prepares delicious sophisticated Tuscan foods using the best ingredients.
Recently they served a Burrata perched atop a bed of Zucchini cut into matchsticks. The cream from the burrata oozes down into the zucchini and the combination is fabulous (Burrata is a type of Fresh Mozzarella with a soft creamy center).
And every meal ends with a glass of limoncello! So, what’s there not to love about Lamole!
Here is my rendition of their recipe.
Burrata atop a Bed of Matchstick Zucchini
4 small Zucchini
4 marinated sun-dried or oven-dried Tomatoes
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 large basil leaves
4 Burrata con Crema, 2 oz each (or 1 burrata weighing 8 oz)
Serves 4
Cut the zucchini into 1/8″ wide matchsticks that are about 1″ in length. Cut the tomatoes into matchsticks the same width.. Place zucchini and tomatoes in a small mixing bowl and season with salt and pepper and olive oil. Toss to combine. Slice the basil leaves very thinly and add to the zucchini mixture and toss again. Taste and adjust seasonings.
To serve, spread the zucchini mixture on a small serving platter and top with 4 small Burrata con Crema. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
