Grilled Sardines & Herb Pesto Crostini: A Perfect Italian Antipasto
This delightful antipasto of Grilled Sardines with Herb Pesto Crostini brings the best of Mediterranean flavors together in a simple yet luxurious dish. The combination of crispy, homemade crostini topped with a fresh herb pesto, creamy ricotta, and succulent grilled sardines, finished with the sweet touch of plums, creates a beautiful balance of flavors. Whether for a special occasion or an evening of indulgence, this dish will impress your guests and transport them straight to the Italian coast.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Homemade bread (pane casereccio) | 4 slices |
| Sardines (fresh or canned) | 200g |
| Cowβs ricotta | 60g |
| Plum | 1 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | To taste (for pesto and drizzle) |
| Basil leaves | A handful |
| Oregano | A few sprigs |
| Lemon balm (Melissa) | A few leaves |
| Parmigiano Reggiano DOP | 100g |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Herb Pesto
To start, make the quick and aromatic herb pesto. Place the basil leaves, oregano, and lemon balm into a food processor. Add a generous pinch of salt, black pepper, and chunks of Parmigiano Reggiano. Drizzle in extra virgin olive oil to help bring the ingredients together. Pulse until the pesto reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. Once done, transfer the pesto to a bowl and set it aside for later.
Step 2: Prepare the Sardines
If you are using fresh sardines, clean and gut them first. Once cleaned, place them in a bowl and drizzle with a couple of tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Toss them gently to coat, and set them aside to marinate for a moment.
Step 3: Grill the Bread
For the crostini, slice the bread into 2 cm thick slices. Lightly brush each slice with olive oil. Place the slices on a hot grill and toast them for about 2 minutes on one side, until golden and crispy. Flip the slices and grill for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring both sides are perfectly crisped. Once done, remove the crostini from the grill and set them aside, keeping them warm.
Step 4: Grill the Sardines
Place the marinated sardines on the same grill, using the heat from the freshly grilled bread. Grill for about 2 minutes on each side, or until the skin begins to peel away from the grill. Once cooked, remove the sardines from the grill and place them in a bowl.
Step 5: Assemble the Bruschette
Now, itβs time to assemble your bruschette! On each slice of toasted bread, spread a generous layer of your homemade pesto. Add a few crumbles of ricotta cheese on top of the pesto to add creaminess and richness. Finally, top each crostini with a grilled sardine. For an extra touch of sweetness, thinly slice the plum and arrange a few slices atop each bruschetta. The combination of savory pesto, creamy ricotta, and smoky grilled sardines, paired with the juicy plum, creates a perfect harmony of flavors.
Final Touches:
Once everything is assembled, drizzle a bit more extra virgin olive oil over the bruschette, and sprinkle with a touch of freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately while the bread is still warm and the sardines are tender.
Enjoy Your Italian Antipasto!
These Grilled Sardines with Herb Pesto Crostini make a fantastic start to any meal, offering a flavorful, fresh, and sophisticated taste of Italy. The vibrant pesto, crispy crostini, and grilled sardines are complemented by the refreshing sweetness of the plum, providing a unique and unforgettable dining experience. Perfect for a casual gathering or a special dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy your meal and buon appetito!
