Tartine in a Glass: A Refreshing and Elegant Appetizer
Tartine in a Glass is a delightful Italian appetizer that combines the delicate flavors of fresh scampi, rich cheeses, and the aromatic punch of pesto. Presented in small glasses, this dish creates an elegant touch for any special occasion or a sophisticated starter for dinner. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging in a unique culinary experience, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s walk through the preparation of this exquisite antipasto that balances textures and flavors perfectly.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Scampi (raw prawns) | 800g |
| White bread (for toasted croutons) | 4 slices |
| Sweet paprika | 1 pinch |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 100g (20g for scampi + 80g for pesto) |
| Lemon juice | 20g |
| Lemon zest | 1 lemon |
| Yellow mustard powder | 1 pinch |
| Fine salt | q.b. (to taste) |
| Black pepper | q.b. (to taste) |
| Garlic clove | 1 clove |
| Fresh basil leaves | 30g |
| Parmesan Reggiano DOP (grated) | 40g |
| Pine nuts | 10g |
| Pecorino cheese (grated) | 20g |
| Coarse salt | 1 pinch |
| Robiola cheese | 50g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Scampi Tartare
To start, take the fresh scampi and carefully cut off the head with scissors. Then, open the shell and extract the meat (usually taking 2-3 scampi per tartare serving). Remove the inner digestive tract (intestine) using a sharp knife. Chop the scampi finely with a knife to create a tartare-like texture.
Once chopped, place the scampi in a bowl. Season with fine salt, black pepper, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and mix everything together thoroughly. For a hint of flavor, add a pinch of sweet paprika, mustard powder, more salt and pepper, and stir to combine.
Step 2: Make the Pesto
In a mortar and pestle (or alternatively, a food processor), add a peeled garlic clove and fresh basil leaves. Use the pestle to grind the garlic and basil together until they form a paste.
Next, add the pine nuts and continue to pound until the mixture becomes smooth. Once this base is ready, add the Robiola cheese and blend the ingredients into a creamy consistency. This basil-pine nut-robiola pesto will bring a wonderfully rich and aromatic depth to the tartine.
Step 3: Toast the Bread
While the pesto is coming together, prepare the toasted croutons. Take the slices of white bread (pancarrè) and toast them lightly until golden and crispy. Once toasted, cut them into small cubes or rectangles, depending on the size of your glasses.
Step 4: Assemble the Tartines in Glasses
Now, it’s time to assemble the tartines. Grab 6 small glasses, each with a capacity of around 80g. Start with a layer of the homemade pesto at the bottom of each glass, spreading it evenly.
Next, add a layer of the toasted bread pieces, pressing them gently into the pesto. Follow this with another generous layer of pesto on top of the bread.
Step 5: Add the Scampi Tartare
Top off the glasses with a portion of the scampi tartare, carefully spooning it on top of the pesto layers. The fresh, delicate scampi tartare contrasts beautifully with the creamy pesto and crispy bread, creating a layered effect that is visually striking and bursting with flavor.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
To finish, garnish the tartine with a few fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch. The basil will provide a refreshing aroma and complement the rich flavors within the glass.
This appetizer is best served immediately to ensure that the fresh scampi and delicate pesto remain at their finest.
Additional Tips
- Flavor Variation: If you like, you can substitute the scampi with other seafood like lobster or crab for a luxurious twist.
- Cheese Options: If you don’t have Robiola cheese, you can experiment with other soft cheeses like mascarpone or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.
- Make Ahead: While the tartine is best served fresh, you can prepare the pesto and the scampi tartare a few hours in advance and assemble the dish just before serving.
Enjoy!
This Tartine in a Glass is a delightful starter that will bring a refreshing twist to your next meal. Whether for a dinner party, a festive gathering, or simply to enjoy as a refined appetizer, it’s a dish that combines freshness, richness, and elegance in every bite.
