Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Small whisk or fork
- Chef's knife
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush them with olive oil. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped olives, ricotta cheese, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Spread the olive and ricotta mixture onto each toasted baguette slice.
5. Garnish with chopped basil leaves.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
This recipe makes 12 crostini.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 120
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 250mg
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of bread instead of French baguette.
- You can use any type of olives instead of kalamata olives.
- You can use goat cheese instead of ricotta cheese.
Variations:
- You can add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the olive and ricotta mixture.
- You can sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the crostini before baking.
- You can drizzle balsamic glaze on top of the crostini before serving.
Tips and tricks:
- You can make the olive and ricotta mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- You can also toast the baguette slices ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until ready to assemble the crostini.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftover crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the crostini, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the crostini on a platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of white wine or Prosecco.
- Serve as an appetizer before a pasta dish or salad.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled chicken or fish
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crostini are too hard, you may have over-toasted them. Try reducing the baking time next time.
- If the olive and ricotta mixture is too thick, you can add a little bit of olive oil to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to store any leftover crostini in the refrigerator.
- Wash your hands and any utensils or surfaces that come into contact with the ingredients to prevent cross-contamination.
Food history:
Crostini is a traditional Italian appetizer that dates back to medieval times. It was originally made with stale bread that was toasted and topped with various ingredients.
Flavor profiles:
This crostini has a savory and tangy flavor from the olives and lemon juice, balanced by the creamy ricotta cheese.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the crostini as an appetizer at a dinner party or as a snack for a casual get-together.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Tangy, Herbaceous, Nutty, Creamy