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Fresh Spring Pea Crostini with Creamy Ricotta

fresh spring pea crostini - featured image
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A quick and easy 5-minute appetizer featuring blanched sweet peas, creamy ricotta, and toasted baguette slices, perfect for spring and summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh spring peas, shelled
  • 1/2 cup creamy ricotta cheese (whole-milk recommended)
  • 1 small loaf baguette or crusty Italian bread, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • A handful fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 garlic clove, peeled (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil (about 4 cups). Add the fresh spring peas and cook for exactly 1 minute.
  2. Immediately drain and plunge peas into a bowl of ice water to stop cooking and preserve color. Drain again and pat dry.
  3. In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, lemon zest, chopped mint, a pinch of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir gently until well mixed but still creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Preheat oven or toaster oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
  5. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil. Toast on a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes until golden and crisp.
  6. Optional: While still warm, rub each slice with the garlic clove for a subtle aromatic boost.
  7. Spread a generous spoonful of the ricotta mixture onto each toasted bread slice.
  8. Top with a small handful of the blanched peas. Drizzle with a little more olive oil and sprinkle with extra mint or lemon zest if desired.
  9. Serve immediately while bread is crisp and flavors are vibrant.

Notes

If ricotta is watery, drain it in a fine mesh strainer for 10 minutes before mixing to prevent soggy crostini. Assemble crostini just before serving to keep bread crisp. Frozen peas can be used if thawed and drained well. Garlic rub on toast is optional for added warmth.

Nutrition

Keywords: spring pea crostini, ricotta appetizer, easy crostini recipe, quick appetizer, spring recipes, vegetarian appetizer

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/fresh-spring-pea-crostini-with-creamy-ricotta-easy-5-minute-appetizer-recipe/