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Fresh Spring Pea and Mint Crostini

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A quick and easy appetizer featuring fresh peas, mint, and creamy ricotta spread on toasted baguette slices. Perfect for spring entertaining and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh peas (about 300g), shelled
  • 1/4 cup packed fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 cup (250g) creamy ricotta cheese, room temperature
  • 1 loaf baguette or rustic bread, sliced into 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) thick pieces
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Zest of one lemon
  • Sea salt to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnish: a few whole peas or small mint sprigs

Instructions

  1. Prepare the peas: shell and rinse fresh peas under cold water or thaw frozen peas and drain well (about 5 minutes).
  2. Mash the peas: place peas in a mixing bowl and gently mash with a fork or potato masher until chunky but spreadable (about 2 minutes).
  3. Add mint and lemon zest: stir in finely chopped mint leaves and lemon zest.
  4. Season: add sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing gently and adjusting seasoning as needed.
  5. Slice and toast bread: cut baguette into 1/2-inch slices, brush each side lightly with olive oil, and toast on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, or toast in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
  6. Spread ricotta: let toasted bread cool briefly, then spread about 1 tablespoon (15g) of room-temperature ricotta on each slice.
  7. Top with pea mixture: spoon the pea and mint mash over the ricotta layer, slightly mounding for texture.
  8. Final drizzle and garnish: drizzle a little olive oil over each crostini and garnish with whole peas or mint leaves if desired.
  9. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Use room-temperature ricotta for easy spreading. Avoid over-mashing peas to keep texture. Toast bread evenly and watch closely to prevent burning. Frozen peas must be thawed and drained well to avoid watery topping. For dairy-free, substitute ricotta with cashew cream or coconut yogurt. Gluten-free bread can be used for gluten-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: spring appetizer, crostini, fresh peas, mint, ricotta, easy appetizer, vegetarian, quick snack

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/fresh-spring-pea-and-mint-crostini-recipe-easy-homemade-ricotta-appetizer/