Marinated Buffalo Mozzarella & Tomato Salad - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 teaspoon fennel seed
1 lemon, zest of, grated
15 basil leaves, shredded
2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
2 teaspoons best-quality extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to finish
2 teaspoons grapeseed oil or 2 teaspoons olive oil
1 garlic clove, crushed
1/2 teaspoon maldon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
8 -9 ounces buffalo mozzarella
2 medium ripe tomatoes (red, yellow or mixed)
To Finish
crusty French bread, sliced and toasted

Preparation

To make the marinade. Scatter the fennel seeds in a small frying pan over medium heat and dry-roast until they begin to pop. Transfer to a mortar and pestle and crush roughly. Place the crushed seeds in a small bowl and add the remaining marinade ingredients.
Break the mozzarella roughly with your hands. Smear it with the marinade and set aside for 15-30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
To serve, cut the tomatoes into wedges and plate along with the marinated mozzarella. Drizzle with extra olive oil. Serve along with crusty French bread slices.