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vegan ricotta toast
Many years ago, I went to a juice shop in Boston and got this sweet and savory ricotta toast. Eight years later, I finally recreated it. Not knowing the exact ingredients they used, I made my own version inspired from the memory.
I decided to use vegan ricotta nut cheese for this recipe but use whatever you love or have on hand. If you would like to make your own ricotta – either with nuts or dairy – the process for both, while completely different processes, are very simple and easy. Homemade ricotta of either sort render the most amazing results.
I hope you enjoy this sweet and savory ricotta toast recipe. Comment below and let me know what you think.
A video tutorial and step-by-step instructions live below.
Ingredients:
- Bread such as nut and seed bread, sour dough or rustic Italian
- Ricotta cheese, made from nuts
- Medjool dates
- Whole cumin seeds
- Whole fennel seeds
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Honey
Instructions:
Toast the whole seeds until fragrant, do not let them turn too brown.
Slice and toast the bread then spread ricotta cheese on top. Cut the dates in half and remove the pits, place in each quadrant of the bread. Sprinkle the toasted seeds over the bread and turn cracked black pepper on top to your desired amount. To finish, squeeze the honey over the top.
Notes:
- Bread Variation: Feel free to explore different types of nut and seed bread, such as walnut, multigrain, or pumpkin seed bread, to add unique textures and flavors.
- Ricotta Consistency: Adjust the amount of vegan ricotta based on personal preference. For a creamier texture, spread a thicker layer, or go lighter for a subtler taste.
- Date Selection: Choose fresh, soft dates for a juicy and sweet contrast. Medjool dates work exceptionally well for their rich, caramel-like flavor.
- Toasting Seeds: Toasting cumin and fennel seeds enhances their aromatic properties. Toast them in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring frequently until fragrant.
- Custom Spice Blend: Experiment with additional spices like cardamom or coriander to create a personalized spice blend for added complexity.
- Black Pepper Intensity: Adjust the amount of cracked black pepper to suit your spice preference. A touch more can elevate the overall flavor profile.
- Honey Drizzling Technique: Control the sweetness by drizzling honey in a zigzag pattern for even distribution or focus on specific areas for an intensified honey flavor.
- Presentation Tip: Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a light dusting of edible flowers for a visually appealing presentation.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve with a side of fresh fruit, a green salad, or a cup of herbal tea to complement the sweet and savory elements.
- Allergen Considerations: Ensure all ingredients align with dietary preferences and allergy restrictions. Gluten-free bread can be substituted if needed.
Feel free to customize this Sweet and Savory Ricotta Toast recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy the creative process of making this delightful dish your own!
I hope you enjoyed this sweet and savory ricotta toast recipe!