The Caprese Sandwich Controversy: Is It Really Caprese?

A recent video titled "Caprese" has sparked a whirlwind of discussion among food enthusiasts and culinary purists alike. The video, which showcases the preparation of a delectable sandwich, has garnered mixed reactions regarding its authenticity as a true Caprese dish.

The video begins with precise measurements, from 1.5cm to 15cm, likely referring to the thickness of the ingredients or the bread. The preparation features roasted tomatoes, burrata cheese, rocket, and a generous serving of green pesto sauce. Despite its appetizing appearance, many viewers were quick to point out that this sandwich deviates from the traditional Caprese salad, which typically includes fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.

One viewer commented, "I mean, it looks tasty, but that ain't caprese," echoing the sentiments of several others who felt the dish did not stay true to its roots. Another user added, "This roasted tomato, burrata, rocket, and pesto sandwich (not technically a Caprese however delicious) would be great on some focaccia or ciabatta that can absorb the juices and not slice open your mouth. The French baguette is all wrong."

The bread choice was a hot topic, with many expressing concerns about its hardness. "Unpopular opinion but I can see that bread and I immediately think 'It will be good but it will cut my mouth a lot since the crust is too damn hard.' You can just tell by how the crunch sounds and how none of the bread moves when pressure is applied lol," one commenter noted. Another agreed, saying, "My mouth started bleeding the moment he crunched the bread."

Garlic and pesto also featured prominently in the discussion. One enthusiastic viewer exclaimed, "Never. Enough. Pesto." However, another felt the garlic was lacking: "That is not nearly enough garlic." The pesto's preparation method was also questioned, with one skeptic stating, "There's no way he actually mortar-pestled that pesto. That's a food processor for sure."

Despite the criticisms, the sandwich did have its fans. A nostalgic commenter reminisced, "A nearby gas station/convenience store used to have a Caprese sandwich similar to this (but obviously nowhere near this level of quality). It was the best thing they sold. I grabbed one every time I saw one in there. They stopped selling them, and it p***ed me off."

The video also sparked a broader conversation about food and health. One user, who recently started using Weight Watchers, shared their conflicted feelings: "I’m started using Weight Watchers recently (down 10 lbs in 4 weeks let’s go!) and my mind is simultaneously racked with desire for this sandwich and calculating how many points this would be. Equal parts 😫 and pride with how I am thinking about food in a more mindful and healthy way 💪."

While some viewers were critical, others appreciated the effort that went into making the sandwich, even if it wasn't a traditional Caprese. One commenter summed it up well: "That looks like a LOT of work for a sammich."

The "Caprese" video has certainly stirred the pot, igniting debates about authenticity, ingredient choices, and preparation methods. Whether you see it as a delightful twist on a classic or a far cry from the real thing, there's no denying the passion it has sparked among viewers.