Description
A fresh and vibrant appetizer featuring crispy French baguette slices topped with creamy ricotta, sautéed peas, and aromatic mint. This Ricotta Crostini with Peas and Mint recipe combines simple ingredients for a flavorful and elegant starter perfect for spring or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Oil
- 1 French baguette, sliced into ¼-inch thick slices
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon salt, divided
Peas and Flavorings
- 1 pound English peas, fresh or frozen (fresh for best results)
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
Toppings and Seasoning
- 1 pound fresh ricotta cheese
- Fresh mint leaves, small or torn if large
- Sea salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Toast Baguette: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Arrange the baguette slices on a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt. Bake for about 7 minutes or until the slices are crispy but not browned. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
- Cook the Peas: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the fresh or frozen peas and cook for 3 minutes until tender but still slightly firm. Drain the peas and immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop cooking and retain their bright green color. Drain again after a few minutes.
- Sauté Peas with Garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the drained peas and smashed garlic cloves, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until peas are cooked through but still retain some firmness. Remove from heat and discard the garlic cloves if desired.
- Assemble Crostini: On a large platter, spread a generous layer of fresh ricotta cheese on each toasted baguette slice. Top with a spoonful of the sautéed peas, then garnish with a few small mint leaves or torn pieces if large. Season each crostini with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the crostini at room temperature as a refreshing appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Use fresh peas for the best flavor and texture, but frozen peas work well too.
- Adjust the amount of salt according to your taste preference and dietary needs.
- Tearing the mint leaves helps release their aroma and allows them to sit better on the crostini.
- Serve immediately or within a few hours for optimal freshness.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Ricotta crostini, peas, mint, appetizer, Italian, easy appetizer, spring recipe, crostini, ricotta cheese, quick recipes
