Asparagus, lemon and basil ricotta toasts

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Starter
Very Easy
24 min
295 Kcal

In the mood for a quick, easy and zesty recipe? These asparagus toasts tick all the boxes: crunchy, creamy, with that little touch of acidity that makes all the difference. Here, lightly browned asparagus meets a ricotta zest and a drizzle of olive oil. Basil adds a fresh, fragrant note, while pink peppercorns (if you have any to hand) add a pretty, colorful and slightly peppery touch! Perfect as a light appetizer, for lunch on the go or even to share as an aperitif, these toasts smell like summer and are easy to prepare. A word of advice: choose a good crusty farmhouse bread;)

Ingredients

2

Materials

  • Frying pan
  • Bowl

Preparation

Preparation10 min
Cook time14 min
  • Asparagus, lemon and basil ricotta toasts - Preparation step 1Fry whole asparagus (washed and drained) in a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat for 3 minutes.
  • Asparagus, lemon and basil ricotta toasts - Preparation step 2Add the water and cover for about 7 minutes (you can stick the tip of a knife in to make sure they're tender). Set aside.
  • Asparagus, lemon and basil ricotta toasts - Preparation step 3Prepare the ricotta with the lemon juice, zest, salt and pepper.
  • Asparagus, lemon and basil ricotta toasts - Preparation step 4Toast the bread slices in a frying pan in a drizzle of olive oil for about 2 minutes on each side.
  • Asparagus, lemon and basil ricotta toasts - Preparation step 5When they have cooled slightly, cut the asparagus into pieces.
  • Asparagus, lemon and basil ricotta toasts - Preparation step 6To assemble:
    Arrange the ricotta/lemon mixture on the toast, the asparagus pieces, basil leaves, a little lemon zest and pink peppercorns for color (optional).
  • Asparagus, lemon and basil ricotta toasts - Preparation step 7And voilà, enjoy!

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FAQ ❓

How can I prevent asparagus and ricotta toasts from becoming soft?

For crispy asparagus toasts, it's important to toast the bread sufficiently and avoid topping them too early. Ideally, prepare the asparagus and lemon ricotta separately, then assemble at the last minute. This maintains the contrast between the crusty bread and the creamy filling.
Yes, but only in part. You can prepare the lemon ricotta and cook the asparagus in advance, then store them in the fridge. However, it's best to assemble the toasts just before serving, to preserve their texture and freshness.
For a well-balanced lemon ricotta, play on acidity and sweetness: add lemon juice and zest, then adjust with salt, pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. The zest is essential to enhance the flavor without adding too much acidity.
Yes, if you don't have basil, you can use fresh mint, chives or even dill. These herbs also add a touch of freshness that goes perfectly with asparagus and lemon ricotta.
For an aperitif version, cut the toasts into small pieces and add a gourmet finish: Parmesan shavings, toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of honey. Pink peppercorns also add an aesthetic and slightly peppery touch that's much appreciated.
These toasts go perfectly with a crisp green salad, gazpacho, or a cold soup for a light meal. They're also ideal for a spring brunch or a quick, balanced lunch.

Nutrition

for 1 serving / for 100 g
Calories: 295Kcal
  • Carbo: 22.7g
  • Total fat: 15.3g
  • Saturated fat: 5.6g
  • Proteins: 13g
  • Fibers: 3.8g
  • Sugar: 5.8g
  • ProPoints: 8
  • SmartPoints: 10
Nutritional information for 1 serving (215g)

Cookware

burner

Attributes

Keep refrigerated
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Adèle PeychesAdèle Peyches
Editorial manager who just can't wait for winter to enjoy fondue! Passionate about gastronomy and always on the lookout for new culinary gems, I first studied law before returning to my first love: the taste of good products and the joy of sharing around the table :)

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