Ingredients
Balsamic Walnuts
- ½ cup raw walnuts
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
Lemon Caper Olive Oil
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest of ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Sautéed Red Bell Peppers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ricotta Toast
- 1 cup whole-milk ricotta
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 slices crusty bread, toasted
Instructions
- Prepare the balsamic walnuts: In a medium saucepan, combine the raw walnuts with balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, cooking until the liquid evaporates completely. Spread the walnuts on parchment paper to cool fully, then roughly chop them for topping.
- Make the lemon caper olive oil: Heat ¼ cup olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and lemon zest, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat, then stir in the chopped parsley and capers. Allow the oil to cool slightly before adding the fresh lemon juice, mixing well.
- Sauté the red bell peppers: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the sliced red bell pepper, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until softened and browned, about 4-5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Preheat the broiler: Set your oven broiler to high to prepare for toasting the ricotta slices.
- Season and broil the ricotta toast: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with grated parmesan, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread the mixture evenly over the toasted bread slices. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet and broil for 5-6 minutes, or until the ricotta is golden and slightly charred on top.
- Assemble and serve: Top each broiled ricotta toast with sautéed bell peppers, the balsamic walnuts, and finish with a drizzle of the lemon caper olive oil. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use crusty bread like baguette or sourdough for optimal texture.
- The balsamic walnuts can be prepared ahead and stored in an airtight container.
- Adjust the lemon juice and capers in the oil to taste for more or less tanginess.
- For a vegan version, substitute ricotta with a plant-based alternative.
- Serve immediately after broiling for the best taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
