Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 loaf of crusty Italian bread, sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces
- 1 cup of fresh buffalo milk ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
Special equipment needed:
- Grill or grill pan
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, olive oil, garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Grill the bread slices for 1-2 minutes on each side, until lightly toasted and grill marks appear.
4. Spread a generous amount of the ricotta mixture onto each slice of bread.
5. Top each slice with chopped basil and cherry tomatoes.
6. Serve immediately.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 5 minutes
Temperature:
- Grill or grill pan set to medium-high heat
Serving size:
- Makes 8-10 bruschetta
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Regular cow's milk ricotta cheese can be used instead of buffalo milk ricotta cheese.
- Any type of bread can be used, but a crusty Italian bread works best.
- Grape tomatoes can be used instead of cherry tomatoes.
Variations:
- Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
- Top with sliced prosciutto for a salty addition.
- Use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic for a milder flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to use fresh ricotta cheese for the best flavor.
- Brush the bread slices with olive oil before grilling for extra flavor.
- Don't over-toast the bread, as it can become too hard to eat.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover ricotta mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the bruschetta in a toaster oven or under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the bruschetta on a platter and garnish with extra basil leaves.
Garnishes:
- Extra basil leaves
Pairings:
- Serve with a light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio.
Suggested side dishes:
- A simple green salad or grilled vegetables would make a great side dish.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the bread slices are too thick, they may not toast properly on the grill.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use fresh ingredients and store any leftovers properly in the refrigerator.
Food history:
- Bruschetta is a traditional Italian appetizer that dates back to ancient Rome.
Flavor profiles:
- This bruschetta is creamy, garlicky, and slightly tangy from the tomatoes.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or light lunch.
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Region: Italian