Antipasto Crudo e Avocado: A Festive and Refreshing Starter
This Antipasto Crudo e Avocado combines fresh ingredients, delicious textures, and a delightful balance of flavors. Perfect for special occasions, this appetizer is not only light and healthy but also visually stunning, making it a fantastic addition to your holiday or dinner table. With creamy avocado, savory prosciutto crudo, and delicate blinis, it offers a unique twist to traditional starters. Here’s how to make this mouth-watering dish step by step.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Avocado | 2 |
| Chickpea flour (farina di ceci) | 50g |
| All-purpose flour (farina 00) | 50g |
| Instant yeast (lievito istantaneo) | ยผ tsp |
| Water | 120g |
| Salt | 5g |
| Prosciutto crudo (thinly sliced) | 12 slices |
| Orange marmalade (marmellata di arance) | 2 tbsp |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Blinis
Start by making the blinis, which will serve as the base for this dish. In a mixing bowl, sift together the chickpea flour and all-purpose flour. Add the salt, then slowly pour in the water, mixing continuously with a whisk to avoid lumps. Continue adding the water gradually until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
Once your batter is smooth, add the instant yeast and mix it through. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with a little oil or butter. Using a spoon, drop small portions of the batter onto the pan to form individual blinis. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until lightly golden. Then, flip the blinis and cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring both sides are golden and crispy.
Continue cooking the blinis in batches until all of the batter is used. With the quantities provided, you should be able to make 12 blinis in total. Once cooked, set them aside on a plate to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Avocado Roses
While the blinis are cooling, take the avocados and carefully cut them in half. Remove the pit and peel off the skin. Slice each avocado into thin, even slicesโaround 10 slices per avocado half. To form the avocado roses, arrange the slices in a fan shape on your cutting board. Using the edge of a knife and the palm of your hand, gently spread the slices out, shaping them into a rosette pattern.
Take your time to create a beautiful arrangement, as this will serve as the visual highlight of your antipasto. Once you have your avocado roses ready, set them aside for assembly.
Step 3: Assemble the Antipasto
Now that all your components are ready, it’s time to put together the antipasto. Take a blinis and place one slice of prosciutto crudo on top. Next, delicately place an avocado rose on top of the prosciutto, allowing the creamy avocado to nestle against the saltiness of the prosciutto.
To finish, drizzle a couple of teaspoons of orange marmalade over the top of each assembled blinis. If you’d like a smoother consistency for the marmalade, you can blend it lightly using an immersion blender or whisk it to loosen it up. The slight sweetness and citrus flavor of the marmalade will provide the perfect contrast to the savory layers beneath.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once all your blinis are topped with prosciutto, avocado, and marmalade, your Antipasto Crudo e Avocado is ready to serve. Arrange them on a platter and serve immediately while the blinis are still slightly warm. This appetizer will be sure to impress your guests with its elegant presentation and harmonious blend of flavors.
Tips for Success:
- For a smoother and more spreadable marmalade, lightly heat it or use a blender to achieve the desired consistency.
- You can substitute the prosciutto crudo with other cured meats such as pancetta or salami for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a bit of a kick, sprinkle some freshly cracked black pepper or a dash of chili flakes over the top before serving.
This Antipasto Crudo e Avocado is a perfect combination of freshness, creaminess, and savory richness, making it an ideal choice for your next celebration. Enjoy this simple yet sophisticated appetizer with your loved ones and savor every bite!
