Asparagus, lemon and basil ricotta toasts

Name: Asparagus, lemon and basil ricotta toasts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 24 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: En
Ingredients: 6 green asparagus spears; 3 tbsp + 1 tsp water; 2 slices farmhouse bread; ½ cup ricotta cheese; Juice of ½ lemon; Zest of ½ lemon; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; A few basil leaves; Olive oil to taste; Pink peppercorns (optional, for decoration)

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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;)

Materials

Frying pan
Bowl

Preparation

Preparation10 min

Cook time14 min

Fry whole asparagus (washed and drained) in a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat for 3 minutes.
Add 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.
Prepare the ricotta with the lemon juice, zest, salt and pepper.
Toast the bread slices in a frying pan in a drizzle of olive oil for about 2 minutes on each side.
When they have cooled slightly, cut the asparagus into pieces.
To assemble:
Arrange the ricotta/lemon mixture on the toast, the asparagus pieces, basil leaves, a little lemon zest and pink peppercorns for color (optional).
And 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.

Can the asparagus, ricotta and lemon toasts be prepared in advance?

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.

How do I season lemon ricotta for asparagus toasts?

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.

Can basil be substituted in asparagus-ricotta toasts?

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.

How can asparagus toasts be enhanced for an aperitif?

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.

What to serve with asparagus and lemon ricotta toasts?

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 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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