Mediterranean > Italian > Appetizer

Cappon Magro with Roasted Peppers and Feta Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 loaf of Italian bread, sliced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh marjoram
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh tarragon
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh scallions

Special equipment needed:
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Place the sliced bread on a baking sheet and drizzle with 1/4 cup of olive oil. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
4. Add the sliced roasted red peppers, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh herbs to the mixing bowl and toss to combine.
5. Arrange the toasted bread slices on a large platter and spoon the roasted red pepper and feta mixture over the top.
6. Garnish with additional chopped fresh herbs and scallions, if desired.
7. Serve immediately.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 8g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Italian bread can be substituted with French bread or ciabatta bread.
- Red wine vinegar can be substituted with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Roasted red peppers can be substituted with sun-dried tomatoes or fresh cherry tomatoes.
- Feta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese or blue cheese.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried herbs, but reduce the amount by half.

Variations:
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Substitute the roasted red peppers with grilled zucchini or eggplant for a vegetarian option.
- Add chopped olives or capers for a salty kick.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to slice the bread evenly to ensure even toasting.
- Use a variety of fresh herbs for a more complex flavor profile.
- Let the roasted red pepper and feta mixture marinate for at least 30 minutes before serving for maximum flavor.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover roasted red pepper and feta mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Store any leftover toasted bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the toasted bread, place it in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.
- The roasted red pepper and feta mixture can be served cold or at room temperature.

Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the toasted bread slices in a circular pattern on a large platter and spoon the roasted red pepper and feta mixture in the center.
- Garnish with additional chopped fresh herbs and scallions for a pop of color.

Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh herbs
- Scallions
- Lemon wedges

Pairings:
- This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Suggested side dishes:
- A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette
- Grilled vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the bread is not toasting evenly, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time.
- If the roasted red pepper and feta mixture is too dry, add additional olive oil or red wine vinegar to taste.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash all fresh herbs and vegetables before using.
- Store any leftover food in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food history:
- Cappon Magro is a traditional Italian dish that originated in Liguria, a region in northwest Italy. It is typically served as a seafood salad, but this version features roasted red peppers and feta cheese.

Flavor profiles:
- The roasted red peppers add a sweet and smoky flavor, while the feta cheese adds a tangy and salty flavor. The fresh herbs add a bright and herbaceous flavor.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve this dish as an appetizer or as a light lunch or dinner.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Herby, Spicy, Creamy, Aromatic