| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 280 | 14g | 5g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 18g | 2g | 9g | 0.4g |
I must confess, the Ricotta and Fig Crostini recipe is one of my absolute favourites. Borne of my deep-seated love for comfort food, this recipe brings together the heartiness of bread, the comfort of cheese, and the sweet allure of figs. And while it remains distinctly divergent from my usual showcase of Midwestern cuisine, it neatly encapsulates my love for fresh, farm-to-table ingredients.
The Allure of Simplicity
The beauty of a Ricotta and Fig Crostini lies in its simplicity. With a select handful of ingredients, each one stands out and concurrently harmonises in a symphony of flavours and textures. But don’t be fooled, though it may be simple to prepare, each bite transports you on a journey. The crusty baguette-style bread is the familiar terrain, the ricotta cheese a delightful surprise, the figs an exotic encounter, and the generous drizzle of honey, a sweet conclusion.
The addition of pine nuts not only provides a satisfying crunch but also introduces an element of earthiness that lends a beautifully complex layer to the dish. Finished off with a dash of salt and a drizzle of olive oil, and you’re treated to a spectacular melange that leaves a lasting impression.
A Nutritious Delight
Beyond its taste and texture, the Ricotta and Fig Crostini is a bounty of nutritional riches. Figs, an often underappreciated member of the fruit family, are a great source of dietary fiber and are rich in essential minerals like magnesium, manganese, calcium, and potassium (Healthline). Ricotta cheese in gentle moderation, brings in a wonderful creaminess without overburdening with fat or calories.
And pine nuts, whether toasted or raw, are nutrient-dense, packed with healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, protein, and various beneficial compounds. This delightful plateful is proof that indulgent food can indeed be good for you.
This Crostini shares close kinship with the classic Bruschetta. It’s like its cosmopolitan cousin, just as inviting but with a touch of whimsy. It would be a perfect match to serve alongside a hearty Beef and Orzo Stew; the lightness of the crostini marrying well with the depth of a beef stew.
Indeed, each time I make Ricotta and Fig Crostini, I cannot help but feel like a maestro, guiding fresh produce and quality ingredients towards a culinary masterpiece. Here’s to fresh ingredients, simple dishes, and good health!
What You’ll Need
- 12 slices of baguette-style bread
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese
- 6 ripe figs
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1/2 cup of pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt to taste
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange the 12 slices of baguette-style bread on a baking sheet.
Step Two
Brush the tops of each bread slice with the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake until the bread slices are golden and crispy. This will take approximately 10 minutes.
Step Three
While the bread slices are in the oven, you can start preparing the figs. Rinse the 6 ripe figs under running water. Then, cut them into thin slices.
Step Four
Once the bread slices have cooled down a bit, you can start assembling the crostini. First, spread a generous amount of the 1 cup of ricotta cheese onto each slice.
Step Five
Place the fig slices over the ricotta cheese. Try to distribute them evenly amongst the slices. Sprinkle the figs with the 1/2 cup of pine nuts.
Step Six
The final touch is to drizzle the crostini with the 1/4 cup of honey. Serve immediately. These ricotta and fig crostini make a great appetizer or snack. Enjoy!
