| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 320 | 17g | 6g | 34g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 15g | 3g | 11g | 0.69g |
My passion for developing unique dishes led me to the charming union of two humble ingredients, inspiring the recipe for my Courgette Flower and Ricotta Bruschetta. Despite originating from Italy, this dish is now a firm favorite in the heart of my Boston home. The fresh, aromatic flavour of the courgette flowers combined with the creamy ricotta on crusty bread creates a dish that is as stunning visually as it is in taste. Feast your eyes on the beautiful result…
Connecting Roots through the Role of Food
Having been brought up in a family rich in diverse culinary traditions, I was always fascinated by how the roots of food connect people to their land and heritage. The Courgette Flower and Ricotta Bruschetta, though an Italian dish, reminds me deeply of my Irish roots and New England upbringing. It’s simple, yet comforting, evoking the same family spirit we treasure in our home-cooked Irish meals. Similar to the warm, filling Irish soda bread, this bruschetta satisfies the craving for rustic homemade bread while introducing a fresh twist. It’s also a perfect pairing with the beloved New England clam chowder, adding a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
The Health Benefits within a Simple Dish
Not just a delight for your tastebuds, the Courgette Flower and Ricotta Bruschetta also comes packed with health benefits. Courgette flowers are low in calories and high in fiber, contributing to good digestive health. Meanwhile, ricotta is a great source of protein and calcium coupled with a lower fat content compared to other cheeses. The presence of lemon zest adds a splash of vitamin C and enhances the absorption of iron from the courgette flowers.
With this recipe, I tried to efficiently leverage the bounty of nature, taking fresh ingredients to create a dish that brings joy to the palate, the eyes, and the body. In cooking as in life, it’s the simple things that make the difference.
In the end, the Courgette Flower and Ricotta Bruschetta isn’t just a delightful treat for your tastebuds. It’s an integration of Roman flavors into our Boston home, a celebration of my Irish roots, and my family’s love for good food and good health. Now, if you’ll excuse me, my little boy and my wonderful Laura are calling for seconds. Bon appétit!
What You’ll Need
- 6 thick slices of crusty bread
- 1 clove of garlic, halved
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
- 6 fresh courgette flowers, stamens removed
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 2 peaches, thinly sliced
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Method
Step One
Pre-heat your grill to medium heat. Take your slices of crusty bread and lightly grill them on each side until they are toasted to your preference. Once done, remove from the grill and let them cool slightly.
Step Two
Once your bread is cool enough to handle, gently rub each slice with the halved garlic clove. This will give your bread a subtle garlic flavour. Follow this by brushing each slice generously with the olive oil.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and lemon zest. Stir until well mixed. Season it to taste with salt and black pepper.
Step Four
Spread the ricotta and lemon mixture evenly onto your prepared bread slices. Try to cover all of the surface of the bread to create a delicious creamy base for your toppings.
Step Five
Carefully place a courgette flower on top of the ricotta mixture on each slice of bread. Drizzle each bruschetta generously with honey, this will bring a lovely sweetness that complements the savoury cheese mixture.
Step Six
Slice your peaches thinly and arrange these slices on top of the courgette flowers. The peaches will add a juiciness to each bite and beautifully contrast with the flavours of the flowers and ricotta.
Step Seven
As a final touch, garnish each slice of bruschetta with fresh mint leaves. These will add a fresh and vibrant taste to your dish. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Courgette Flower and Ricotta Bruschetta!
