Pea and Ricotta Crostini
A quick and fresh appetizer featuring creamy ricotta and bright peas with lemon zest and mint on toasted baguette slices. Perfect for casual entertaining or a light snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (about 2 crostini per serving) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (150g) fresh or frozen peas, thawed if frozen
- 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese, preferably whole milk
- Zest of 1 medium lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 small baguette or rustic country loaf, sliced 1/2 inch thick and toasted until golden and crisp
- Optional: 1 garlic clove, for rubbing on toasted bread
- Optional: Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Preheat your oven’s broiler or toaster oven. Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Arrange slices on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until golden and crisp. Watch closely to avoid burning. Remove and set aside.
- If using fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water to preserve color. If frozen, thaw completely. Place peas in a food processor or blender and pulse until coarsely chopped but still retaining some texture.
- Add ricotta and olive oil to the processed peas. Pulse briefly to combine, keeping a creamy yet slightly chunky texture. Stir in chopped mint leaves, lemon zest, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Optionally, rub toasted bread slices lightly with a cut garlic clove for extra flavor. Spoon the pea and ricotta mixture generously onto each toast slice. Garnish with a mint leaf or extra lemon zest.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp bread and fresh topping.
Notes
Do not over-blend the peas; keep some texture for a rustic topping. Use fresh lemon zest for best flavor. Toast bread until crisp but still slightly soft inside. Garlic rub on bread is optional but recommended for added depth. The topping can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge; add fresh mint or lemon zest before serving to refresh flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 2 crostini
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 23
- Fiber: 3.5
- Protein: 8
Keywords: pea crostini, ricotta appetizer, easy appetizer, fresh appetizer, lemon zest, mint, crostini recipe, quick snack, vegetarian appetizer