Buffalo mozzarella, traditionally made from the milk of water buffalo, has an exquisite tangy edge. Shea Gallante ingeniously turns the cheese into a soup, liquefying it in a blender with the water it comes packed in and some fruity olive oil. Plus: More Soup Recipes and Tips
How to Make It
In a blender or food processor, puree the chopped tomatoes with a pinch each of salt and sugar. Line a strainer with 2 layers of cheesecloth and set the strainer over a medium bowl. Pour the tomato puree into the strainer, gather the ends of the cheesecloth and tie with a string. Let the tomato juices drain into the bowl for 2 hours. You should have about 1/2 cup of tomato water. If not, gently squeeze the cheesecloth to extract a little more of the tomato water. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and season the tomato water with salt and white pepper.
Rinse out the blender. Pour in the mozzarella liquidthere should be 3/4 cup. Cut each mozzarella ball into 6 pieces and add the pieces to the blender. Blend at low speed for 1 minute, then increase the speed to high and puree until smooth. Add the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil and puree until creamy and smooth. Season the soup with white pepper.
In a medium bowl, toss the scallions and apricots with the lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Pour 1/2 cup of the mozzarella soup into each of 6 small bowls. Spoon the apricot mixture on top and garnish with the basil. Drizzle a few drops of the tomato water and the vin cotto on top and serve right away.
Make Ahead
Notes
Look for imported Italian buffalo mozzarella, which comes packed in water in 500-gram plastic containers, at specialty markets and at cheese shops.