If you love creamy, flavorful, and crunchy toast, this Whipped Ricotta Toast with Pesto Prawns is for you! It’s an easy yet fancy breakfast, brunch, or snack that will impress anyone who takes a bite. The combination of creamy ricotta, fresh tomatoes, and pesto-coated prawns on crispy sourdough is simply irresistible. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Method
Whip the Ricotta
To achieve a smooth and creamy texture, start by adding the ricotta cheese to a blender or food processor. To help loosen the consistency, add a small splash of milk. Blend the mixture until it turns into a velvety, airy consistency. The whipped ricotta should be light and spreadable, making it easy to layer onto the toast. Be cautious not to over-blend, as this can make the ricotta too runny. Once whipped, transfer it to a small bowl and set it aside while preparing the other ingredients.
Toast the Bread
A perfectly crisp base is essential for this dish, so take your whole grain sourdough slices and toast them to golden perfection. You can use a toaster for convenience, but if you prefer a deeper crunch, use an oven set to 375°F (190°C). Place the slices on a baking tray and toast for about 5 minutes until they become firm and golden brown. The goal is to have a crisp exterior while keeping the inside slightly soft, allowing it to hold the toppings without becoming too brittle.
Cook the Prawns
For an easy and efficient way to cook the prawns, toss them in a bowl with the pesto sauce, ensuring each prawn is well coated with the rich basil flavor. If you’re using a sandwich press, place the prawns inside, close the lid, and let them cook for about 3 minutes. The sandwich press applies even heat, giving them a quick, seared finish. If you’re using a frying pan, heat it over medium heat and cook the prawns for about 2 minutes per side. The prawns should turn opaque and pink when fully cooked. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.
Assemble the Toast
Once the toast is ready, take your whipped ricotta and spread a generous layer over each slice, covering the surface evenly. Next, place the freshly cooked pesto prawns on top, distributing them evenly between both slices. Now, take the sliced cherry tomatoes and scatter them across the toast, adding a burst of freshness and natural sweetness. Finally, garnish with a handful of pea shoots for a crisp, slightly sweet finish.
Season and Serve
To bring all the flavors together, sprinkle a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper over the toast. Serve immediately while the toast is still crisp and the prawns are warm. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so dig in and savor every bite!
Necessary Tools
- Blender or food processor
- Sandwich press or frying pan
- Toaster or oven for bread
- Knife and cutting board
- Spatula or tongs
Whipped Ricotta Toast with Pesto Prawns
Cuisine: Chinese, JapaneseDifficulty: Easy2
servings10
minutes5
minutes15
minutesIngredients
2 slices of whole grain sourdough bread
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
A splash of milk
6 large prawns, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp pesto sauce
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
A handful of pea shoots
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Whip the Ricotta: Add ricotta cheese and a splash of milk to a blender. Blend until smooth and fluffy.
- Toast the Bread: Toast your sourdough slices until golden brown and crispy.
- Cook the Prawns: Toss the prawns in pesto sauce. If using a sandwich press, place them inside, close the press, and cook for about 3 minutes. If using a pan, heat it on medium and cook prawns for 2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
- Assemble the Toast: Spread a generous layer of whipped ricotta onto the toasted sourdough. Top with pesto prawns, fresh tomatoes, and pea shoots.
- Season and Serve: Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t over-blend the ricotta: Too much blending can make it watery instead of fluffy.
- Watch the prawns closely: Overcooked prawns become rubbery. Cook just until they turn pink.
- Toast the bread properly: Too soft, and it won’t hold the toppings; too hard, and it’ll be difficult to bite!
Serving Suggestions
- Make it a meal: Pair with a side salad or a poached egg on top.
- Add extra crunch: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
- Make it spicy: Drizzle with chili oil or add red pepper flakes.
Fun Fact
Ricotta cheese is made from whey, the leftover liquid from making cheese. It’s naturally creamy and lower in fat than many other cheeses!
Conclusion
This Whipped Ricotta Toast with Pesto Prawns is the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fresh flavors. Whether you’re making it for a quick breakfast or an impressive brunch, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Try it out and let me know how it turns out!
