| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 219 | 14g | 7g | 19g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 16g | 2g | 7g | 0.20g |
What is it about the Grape and Blue Cheese Flatbread recipe that sends my taste buds into overdrive every single time? And why is it a dish I find myself coming back to time and time again?
As a child, I’d find myself in the kitchen, watching my mother pull ingredients together to create a meal that nourished both our bodies and souls. Our Nigerian kitchen was always filled with aromas so comforting, you’d think love was the main ingredient. As I grew older, my culinary journey took me towards the flavors of Southern American cuisine, infusing into my recipes the same sense of warmth, hospitality, and richness found in meals eaten around robust Southern tables.
A Dance of Flavors
So, where exactly does a Grape and Blue Cheese Flatbread fit in? This fusion of flavors is a perfect example of the culinary harmony achieved when diverse inspirations merge. The grapes bring the ripe sweetness that’s reminiscent of the tropical flavors I grew up with, while the bold blue cheese reflects the unabashed richness found in so many Southern American dishes. It’s an adventurous leap from traditional Nigerian or Southern American meals, yet echoes the familiarity of both cultures.
As someone who is a strong advocate for Afro-Southern fusion, the blend of flavors in this recipe is not just a harmonious dance on the palate; it’s a testament to the different roads my culinary journey has traveled down.
A Healthy Bite
And it’s not just about flavor; it’s about wholesome, nutritious ingredients too. This grape and blue cheese combo is a nutritional powerhouse. Not only does it bring a whole lot of antioxidants our way courtesy of the grapes, but there’s also calcium from the cheese and iron from the arugula. That’s not to mention the heart-healthy benefits of the extra virgin olive oil, and the antibacterial benefits of the honey.
Apart from being great on its own, this piece of flatbread can do wonders as part of a wider spread of foods. It’s quite similar to an Italian grape and blue cheese tart and would pair beautifully with a simple Southern fried chicken recipe or a rich Nigerian chicken and peanut soup.
After all, food – much like life – is all about balance and harmony. And what’s more harmonious than a Grape and Blue Cheese Flatbread, a dish that marries the bright and bold colors of my heritage and my adopted culinary crafts?
What You’ll Need
- 1 flatbread of choice
- 2 cups seedless red grapes
- 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
- 1 cup arugula
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place the flatbread on a baking sheet and brush it with the extra virgin olive oil.
Step Two
Generously scatter the crumbled blue cheese over the oily flatbread.
Step Three
Rinse the red grapes and pat them dry. Once dry, distribute them evenly over the flatbread and cheese.
Step Four
Sprinkle the finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves over the grapes and flatbread. Drizzle the teaspoon of honey on top of everything.
Step Five
Slide your prepped flatbread into the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and bubbly, and the flatbread is crispy. Grape skins should also slightly wrinkle.
Step Six
While your flatbread is cooling slightly, lightly dress the arugula in a small amount of olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Step Seven
Finally, top your warm flatbread with the seasoned arugula, cut into pieces and serve immediately.
