Asparagus and Ricotta Crostini
A quick-pickle on the asparagus keeps the spring veg snappy and just cooked through. Layer it over toasted bread and ricotta mixed with ripe-tomatoes-worthy olive oil, or save some leftovers for folding into grilled cheese, tossing into tomorrow’s salad or finely chopping into a gremolata-like relish for roasted meats.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch (about 1 pound) asparagus, halved if thicker than a pencil
- 1 baguette or crusty Italian loaf, sliced diagonally into rounds about 1/2 –inch thick
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 lemon
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- Flaky salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Steps
Step 1
Preheat oven to 400F with a rack set in the center. Toss sliced bread on a large rimmed baking sheet with 2 tablespoons oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bake until beginning to brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool slightly.
Step 2
Slice asparagus diagonally into thin coins (about 1/4–inch thick). Add to a medium heatproof bowl; zest the lemon over the top, reserving the rest of the lemon for later. Bring water, vinegar, honey, fennel seeds and remaining salt to boil in a small saucepan. Boil 30 seconds. Pour pickling liquid over asparagus and lemon zest. Cool to room temperature in the pickling liquid; drain.
Step 3
Mix ricotta with the remaining oil and spoon evenly over crostini. Top with quick-pickled asparagus. Sprinkle with flakey salt and a few grinds of black pepper.
photo by H.B. Wilcox PhotographyBrunch Dinner Easy Healthy Lunch Quick Sides Vegetarian Weeknight