Crostoni with Savoy Cabbage, Casera Cheese, and Speck
Category: Appetizers
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole grain multi-grain bread | 6 slices |
| Savoy cabbage (verza) | 320g |
| Speck (smoked ham) | 40g |
| Valtellina Casera cheese | 50g |
| Raisins | 50g |
| Pine nuts | 30g |
| Garlic clove | 1 |
| Fresh chili pepper | 1 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | as needed |
| Salt | to taste |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Savoy Cabbage:
Begin by cleaning the savoy cabbage. Remove the outer leaves, then finely shred the cabbage. Set it aside for later. -
Flavor the Cabbage:
Mince the fresh chili pepper and peel the garlic clove. In a large pan, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Add the garlic and chili to the pan and sauté over medium heat until fragrant. -
Cook the Cabbage:
Once the garlic and chili release their aroma, add the shredded savoy cabbage to the pan. Season with salt, cover, and cook on low heat for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the lid and continue cooking for a few more minutes, allowing any excess liquid to evaporate. -
Add the Raisins and Pine Nuts:
Add the raisins and pine nuts to the cabbage mixture, stirring gently. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined. Remove the garlic clove and discard it. -
Prepare the Bread:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Slice the whole grain multi-grain bread into 6 slices, each approximately 1.5 cm thick. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. -
Grate the Casera Cheese:
Grate the Valtellina Casera cheese using a coarse grater. Set it aside. -
Assemble the Crostoni:
Spoon the cooked cabbage mixture onto each slice of bread. Sprinkle the grated Casera cheese over the cabbage. Add a few slices of speck (smoked ham) on top of each crostone. -
Bake the Crostoni:
Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the crostoni. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese has melted. -
Serve:
Remove the crostoni from the oven. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious appetizer with savory cabbage, rich Casera cheese, and smoky speck. Buon Appetito!
This warm and hearty dish makes a perfect starter for any meal, offering a delightful combination of flavors with the earthy cabbage, creamy cheese, and smoky speck.
