Italian > Antipasti > Giuncatas

Giuncata with Roasted Red Peppers and Mozzarella Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of giuncata cheese
- 2 red bell peppers
- 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Blender or food processor

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

2. Cut the red bell peppers in half and remove the seeds and stems.

3. Place the peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

4. Roast the peppers in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the skin is charred and the peppers are tender.

5. Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.

6. Peel off the charred skin and discard it.

7. Cut the peppers into thin strips and set them aside.

8. Cut the giuncata cheese into small cubes and set them aside.

9. Cut the fresh mozzarella cheese into thin slices and set them aside.

10. In a blender or food processor, puree the roasted red peppers with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until smooth.

11. Season the puree with salt and pepper to taste.

12. To assemble the dish, place the giuncata cheese cubes on a serving platter.

13. Top the giuncata cheese with the roasted red pepper puree.

14. Arrange the fresh mozzarella cheese slices on top of the puree.

15. Garnish with additional roasted red pepper strips and fresh herbs, if desired.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 400°F
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 18g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Giuncata cheese can be substituted with ricotta cheese.
- Fresh mozzarella cheese can be substituted with any other type of fresh cheese, such as burrata or fior di latte.

Variations:
- Add sliced cherry tomatoes or fresh basil leaves for additional flavor and color.
- Use roasted yellow or orange bell peppers instead of red bell peppers for a different look.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to remove all the charred skin from the roasted red peppers to avoid any bitter taste.
- Serve this dish with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve this dish on a large platter with fresh herbs and additional roasted red pepper strips for a beautiful presentation.

Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley
- Additional roasted red pepper strips

Pairings:
- Serve this dish with a light and crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Suggested side dishes:
- Crusty bread or crackers
- Grilled vegetables
- Mixed green salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the roasted red pepper puree is too thick, add a little bit of water or olive oil to thin it out.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before handling any food.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.

Food history:
- Giuncata cheese is a fresh cheese made from cow's milk that is popular in Italy.

Flavor profiles:
- This dish is creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, with a smoky flavor from the roasted red peppers.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve this dish as an appetizer or as part of a cheese board.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Creamy, Cheesy, Sweet, Smoky