Asparagus, ricotta, lemon and basil toast
Materials
- 6 green asparagus spears
- 50 ml of water
- 2 slices of rustic bread (country bread or similar)
- 125g of ricotta cheese
- Juice of half a lemon
- Zest of half a lemon
- Shall
- Pepper
- A few basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Pink peppercorns (optional, for garnish)
- Wash the asparagus, dry them well and sauté them whole in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil, over medium heat, for 3 minutes.
- Add the water, cover the pan, and let them cook for about 7 more minutes. To check if they're done, pierce one with the tip of a knife: they should be tender. Remove and set aside.
- Meanwhile, mix the ricotta in a bowl with the lemon juice, zest, a pinch of salt and a little black pepper.
- Brown the bread slices in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil, about 2 minutes on each side, until well toasted.
- When the asparagus has cooled down a bit, cut it into pieces.
- To assemble the toasts, first spread the ricotta and lemon mixture on the bread, then add the asparagus, a few basil leaves, a little more lemon zest and, if you like, some pink berries for decoration.
- And that's it!
Frying pan
Can you prepare an asparagus toast in advance without it losing its texture?
Yes, but it's best not to leave it assembled. It's better to prepare the asparagus and the seasoned ricotta beforehand, and toast the bread right at the end. That way it doesn't lose its firmness or get soggy.
How to prevent a cheese and asparagus toast from getting soggy?
The moisture level needs to be controlled. It's best to use bread with a good crust, toast it well, drain the asparagus, and not make the ricotta too runny. Assembling it at the last minute works best.
What accompaniment goes well with a toast topped with green asparagus?
It pairs well with fresh, light accompaniments. A green salad with a mild vinaigrette, dressed tomatoes, or a chilled vegetable soup are all excellent choices. If served as an appetizer, it's best to accompany it with light bites.
How to enhance the flavor of an appetizer with asparagus and ricotta?
The key is to balance the flavors perfectly. Browning the asparagus adds intensity, and the ricotta is greatly enhanced with well-measured salt, pepper, and lemon. A good olive oil, lemon zest, or a little grated aged cheese also help.
What cheese can replace ricotta on asparagus toast?
Well-drained cottage cheese is the closest option. Thick whipped cottage cheese, labneh, or a mild goat cheese can also work. The important thing is that it's creamy and doesn't overpower the asparagus flavor.
Carbohydrates: 21.8g
Total fat: 14.9g
Saturated fat: 5.5g
Protein: 12.6g
Fiber: 2.8g
Sugar: 5.1g
ProPoints: 7
SmartPoints: 10
Nutritional information for 1 serving (228g)
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Editorial manager who longs for winter to eat fondue. Passionate about gastronomy and always on the lookout for new flavors, I studied law before returning to my first love: the taste for good products and the pleasure of sharing them around the table. :)
