Asparagus toasts with ricotta, lemon and basil

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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 gently lemony ricotta, brightened with a little zest and a drizzle of olive oil. Basil adds a fresh, fragrant note, while pink peppercorns (if you have any to hand) add a lovely splash of color and a hint of pepperiness! Perfect as a light starter, for lunch on the go or even to share as an appetizer, these toasts are perfect for warm-weather days and are easy to prepare. A word of advice: choose a good, crusty country loaf;)

Ingredients

2

Materials

  • Frying pan
  • Bowl

Preparation

Preparation10 min
Cook time14 min
  • Asparagus toasts with ricotta, lemon and basil - Preparation step 1Sauté the whole asparagus spears (washed and drained) in a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat for 3 minutes.
  • Asparagus toasts with ricotta, lemon and basil - 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 toasts with ricotta, lemon and basil - Preparation step 3Prepare the ricotta with the lemon juice, zest, salt and pepper.
  • Asparagus toasts with ricotta, lemon and basil - Preparation step 4Toast the bread slices in a frying pan in a drizzle of olive oil for about 2 minutes on each side.
  • Asparagus toasts with ricotta, lemon and basil - Preparation step 5When they have cooled slightly, cut the asparagus into pieces.
  • Asparagus toasts with ricotta, lemon and basil - Preparation step 6To assemble:
    Spread the ricotta and lemon mixture on the toast, then top with the asparagus pieces, basil leaves, a little lemon zest and pink peppercorns for color (optional).
  • Asparagus toasts with ricotta, lemon and basil - 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 it too early. Ideally, prepare the asparagus and lemon ricotta separately, then assemble the toasts at the last minute. This maintains the contrast between the crusty bread and the creamy topping.
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 well-balanced lemon ricotta, balance the acidity with the ricotta's mild, creamy flavor: add lemon juice and zest, then adjust with salt, pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. The zest is essential for enhancing 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 appetizer 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 attractive, 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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