Once ripe, the tomato becomes the most delicious thing in the world

TOMATO, MOZZARELLA AND BASIL SALAD

Preparation 10 minutes Serves 4-6 Perhaps the most disappointing dish is a restaurant tomato, basil and mozzarella salad because unless the tomato is utterly ripe, it tastes of nothing. Once ripe it instantly becomes the most delicious thing in the world and in summer is something we seem to eat almost every day. Use the best extra-virgin olive oil you can find and plenty of it, too.

selection of large tomatoes pinch of white sugar handful of fresh basil leaves 2-3 balls mozzarella, sliced or torn extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Cut the tomatoes horizontally into slices less than 1cm thick. Lay them

on a serving dish and sprinkle with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper and the sugar. Interleave the slices of tomato with basil leaves and mozzarella. Pour over lots of olive oil and leave for half an hour to let the flavours mingle before serving.