Inspired to eat healthy but don’t want to labor through tasteless, off-green mush? This recipe, although featuring broccoli, is a winner in terms of flavor and maximizing health benefits. My mother was originally inspired to cook this dish after watching an episode of Giada De Laurentiis – although Giada’s ingredients and kitchen belong in a Renaissance mansion, her recipes are easily adaptable to normal cookware. The recipe below combines roasted broccoli (which brings out the sweetness inside the florets) and porous ricotta cheese – an unlikely but smashing duo.
Toasted Broccoli and Ricotta Bites
Ingredients
Instructions
Toss broccoli florets in olive oil, pepper, and garlic powder.
Line baking sheet with aluminum foil and spread florets evenly on top. Roast at 375° for 25 minutes.
Cover thinly sliced five grain seed bread in olive oil and toast until golden.
#SpoonTip: you can toast the bread in the oven or use a toaster (which is much faster!)
Time to assemble! Remove toasted bread and spread a thin layer of ricotta cheese on top. Place caramelized broccoli florets and walnuts on pillow of ricotta.
#SpoonTip: you can also roast the walnuts at 375° for two minutes for additional flavor. Their nutty, earthy aroma pairs well with the crispy broccoli flavor.
Eating these appetizers is like biting into a crunchy, creamy backyard garden. Surprisingly, the broccoli morphs into a sweetened morsel that has the same crispy consistency as a French fry. Paired with walnuts and neutral ricotta, the roasted qualities of the veggie blend perfectly with the toasted bread. For a less “broccoli-centric” recipe, try drizzling local honey over the toasted bread and ricotta base (no broccoli) – it instantly transforms from an appetizer into a dessert!
#SpoonTip: My mom turned this appetizer into a full meal by pairing it with a butter lettuce salad and kiwis!
