Pinzimonio di Verdure (Vegetable Crudités with Dipping Sauce)
Category: Appetizer
Serves: 4
A delightful and refreshing Italian appetizer, Pinzimonio di Verdure is a perfect way to enjoy a variety of fresh vegetables dipped in a rich, tangy sauce. This vibrant dish consists of an assortment of crunchy raw vegetables paired with a zesty oil and lemon dip. Perfect for gatherings, this light and healthy starter will please everyone at the table. Here’s how to create this delicious, vegetable-packed appetizer with minimal effort yet maximum flavor!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Celery (tender inner stalks) | 2 stalks |
| Carrots | 2 medium |
| Fennel bulb | 1 |
| Yellow bell peppers | 2 |
| Red bell peppers | 2 |
| Radicchio (Italian chicory) | 1 head |
| Radishes | 12 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | To taste (q.b.) |
| Fresh lemon juice | To taste (q.b.) |
| Black pepper | To taste (q.b.) |
| Fine salt | To taste (q.b.) |
Instructions
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Start by preparing the vegetables. Select two tender stalks of celery, ideally from the inner part of the bunch, ensuring that they are fresh and crisp. Trim off any leaves from the ends and remove any stringy fibers. |
| 2 | Next, take the fennel bulb, cut off both ends, and remove the delicate green fronds, leaving only the bulb for slicing. |
| 3 | For the bell peppers (both yellow and red), slice them down the center, removing any seeds and white pith. Trim off the top and bottom ends to create uniform pieces, making them easy to dip. |
| 4 | Peel the carrots, cutting off the ends, and slice them into sticks of your preferred thickness. |
| 5 | Prepare the radicchio by removing any outer leaves that are damaged or wilted. Keep the inner leaves intact, as they are tender and crisp, perfect for dipping. |
| 6 | Clean the radishes, removing any rough or damaged outer layers. Slice them into rounds or wedges, depending on your preference. |
| 7 | Arrange all of the prepared vegetables into individual serving glasses or bowls. This presentation not only looks beautiful but also makes it easy for each person to grab their favorite vegetable. |
| 8 | To prepare the dipping sauce (Pinzimonio), take four small bowls and fill each with high-quality extra virgin olive oil. |
| 9 | Add a generous amount of fresh lemon juice to each bowl, followed by a pinch of fine salt and freshly cracked black pepper. |
| 10 | Using a fork, vigorously whisk the oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper together until the ingredients emulsify and form a smooth, tangy dressing. |
| 11 | Set the bowls of Pinzimonio in the center of the table along with the vegetable sticks. Allow each guest to dip and season their veggies to taste. |
| 12 | Serve the vegetable crudités with the zesty dipping sauce on the side, and enjoy this light, healthy, and flavorful appetizer! |
Tips for the Best Pinzimonio di Verdure
- Choose Fresh Veggies: The key to a delicious Pinzimonio is using the freshest vegetables possible. Look for crisp, firm carrots, bright peppers, and tender, flavorful fennel.
- Customize Your Dipping Sauce: If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add a dash of chili flakes or minced garlic to the olive oil mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Vegetable Variations: You can experiment with other veggies, like cucumber, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes, to add more variety to your Pinzimonio.
This Pinzimonio di Verdure is not just a feast for the eyes but also a healthy and light appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a meal with family, or simply indulging in a fresh snack, this vegetable platter with its vibrant colors and tangy dip will never disappoint.
