Italian Recipes
Grilled Fig and Grana Padano Crostini with Balsamic and Walnuts
Figs and Grana Padano Crostini Recipe
Category: Appetizer
Servings: 10 pieces
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rustic bread (Pane casereccio) | 5 slices |
| Grana Padano DOP (PDO) | 40g |
| Fresh figs | 5 |
| Walnuts (shelled) | 30g |
| Fresh rosemary | 2 sprigs |
| Balsamic vinegar | To taste |
| Pink peppercorns | To taste |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | To taste |
Instructions:
- Prepare the figs: Begin by washing the figs thoroughly and cutting them into quarters. Set aside.
- Grill the figs: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the fig quarters on the pan and grill them lightly until soft. Once grilled, set them aside to cool.
- Toast the bread: Slice the rustic bread into 5 even pieces. Toast each slice until golden and crispy.
- Infuse the oil: In a small pan, heat some extra virgin olive oil with a sprig of rosemary and a pinch of salt. Let the rosemary infuse the oil for a few minutes.
- Toast the walnuts: In a separate pan, toast the walnut halves over medium heat until they are lightly browned and aromatic. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Shave the Grana Padano: Using a vegetable peeler, shave thin slices of Grana Padano DOP cheese. Set aside.
- Assemble the crostini: Take each piece of toasted bread and cut it in half. Place 2 quarters of grilled fig on each half of the bread.
- Add toppings: Top the figs with a few shavings of Grana Padano, followed by a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with toasted walnut pieces.
- Final touch: Garnish with a pinch of pink peppercorns and a small sprig of fresh rosemary.
- Serve: Your delicious Figs and Grana Padano Crostini are now ready to be served! Enjoy these as a light appetizer or a delightful snack to share.
These Figs and Grana Padano Crostini are the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and creamy, offering a delightful contrast of textures. The earthy flavor of rosemary and the crunch of toasted walnuts bring an extra layer of complexity, while the balsamic vinegar enhances the sweetness of the figs and balances the richness of the Grana Padano cheese. This appetizer is sure to impress guests with its refined taste and beautiful presentation.
