Schiacciate with Beef Carpaccio, Arugula, and Sbrinz
Category: Appetizers
Servings: 12
Schiacciate with beef carpaccio, arugula, and sbrinz is an exquisite Italian appetizer that blends tender carpaccio with the freshness of arugula and the richness of two delightful cheesesโSbrinz and Parmigiano Reggiano. Perfect for a special occasion or as a refined starter for a dinner party, this recipe brings together bold flavors and textures in a light yet satisfying way. Letโs dive into the ingredients and steps to recreate this elegant dish.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Schiacciata bread (store-bought or homemade) | 12 pieces |
| Beef carpaccio | 250g |
| Sbrinz cheese | 50g |
| Fresh lemon juice | ยฝ lemon |
| Extra virgin olive oil | q.b. (as needed) |
| Arugula | 50g |
| Parmigiano Reggiano DOP | 25g |
| Pecorino cheese | 25g |
| Pine nuts | 25g |
| Garlic | ยฝ clove |
| Fine salt | q.b. |
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Arugula Pesto
To begin, prepare the fresh arugula pesto. Start by trimming the arugula leaves, discarding any tough stems. Wash the leaves thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to ensure theyโre free of moisture.
Place the arugula leaves in a food processor, along with the pine nuts, grated Parmigiano Reggiano, grated Pecorino cheese, the half clove of garlic, and a pinch of fine salt. Add a small drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to the mixture. Start blending the ingredients on a low speed, gradually adding more olive oil as needed, until the pesto reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. Set the pesto aside for a moment while you prepare the next steps.
Step 2: Grating the Sbrinz
Next, grate the Sbrinz cheese. This hard cheese has a rich, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients in this dish. Set it aside until ready to assemble the schiacciate.
Step 3: Assembling the Schiacciate
Now it’s time to assemble the schiacciate. Start by transferring the arugula pesto into a pastry bag fitted with a star-shaped nozzle. This will allow you to create beautiful rosettes of pesto on each piece of schiacciata.
Carefully pipe a generous amount of pesto onto each piece of schiacciata bread, forming a rose-like swirl at the center of each one. The combination of the creamy pesto and the crispy bread creates an irresistible base for the rest of the ingredients.
Step 4: Adding the Beef Carpaccio and Cheese
Once youโve arranged the pesto, top each piece with thin slices of beef carpaccio. The delicate, melt-in-your-mouth carpaccio pairs beautifully with the peppery arugula and the salty, sharp cheeses.
Sprinkle a little freshly grated Sbrinz over the top of the carpaccio to enhance the flavor and finish with a touch of fresh lemon juice for a hint of brightness. A final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil ties everything together.
Serving:
Once assembled, your Schiacciate with Beef Carpaccio, Arugula, and Sbrinz is ready to be served. The combination of fresh flavors, tender beef, and sharp cheeses makes for an unforgettable appetizer. These little bites of Italian elegance are sure to impress your guests with their exquisite flavors and textures.
Enjoy these Schiacciate as part of a delicious spread, paired with a crisp white wine or your favorite refreshing drink. Perfect for an evening of sophisticated dining or as a delightful snack to savor with friends.
Tips & Variations:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the pesto in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be sure to cover it with a thin layer of olive oil to keep it fresh.
- Cheese Substitutes: If you canโt find Sbrinz cheese, you can substitute it with a high-quality aged Parmesan or Gruyรจre for a similar depth of flavor.
- Add Veggies: For a bit of crunch, try adding thinly sliced vegetables, such as radishes or cucumber, on top of the carpaccio before serving.
- Different Proteins: If you prefer a different protein, you could swap the beef carpaccio for thinly sliced smoked salmon or prosciutto for a delicious twist.
This Schiacciate with Beef Carpaccio, Arugula, and Sbrinz is not only a visually stunning dish but also a true celebration of Italian flavors. From the creamy pesto to the rich cheese and delicate carpaccio, every bite is an indulgence in taste and texture. Enjoy this flavorful appetizer as a special start to any meal or as a perfect way to impress your guests at your next gathering!
