Thursday, March 2, 2017

Italy, By Way of Birmingham


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When you think of Italian specialties, Alabama may not be the first place that comes to mind. But Chef Frank Stitt is trying to change that. He's a traditional southern chef who wants to break down some barriers, and show the south can compete in other food arenas!  Chef Frank, who wrote Bottega Favorita, told Tonia's Kitchen about his sweet pea bruschetta.  It combines fresh ricotta, mint and olive oil, all atop hearty grilled bread. Frank told Tonia that it makes for a wonderful springtime snack!  It's something you might expect from little Italy in Brooklyn, but maybe not in Birmingham!

  • 4 slices (about 2 inches thick and 3 inches long) focaccia or ciabatta
  • 1/2 cup sweet peas, fresh or frozen, rinsed and blanched in boiling water until tender, shocked in ice water, drained (frozen peas may be rinsed in hot water)
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped and softened in a pan with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, about 1 minute
  • Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup fresh ricotta cheese (drained if very wet)
  • 1/2 cup fresh radishes, washed, dried, and finely sliced
  • 1/2 cup pea tendrils or fresh mint sprigs
  • Agrumato lemon oil* or extra virgin olive oil
  1. 1.
    Prepare a fire in a grill or fire up the broiler.
  2. 2.
    Grill or broil the focaccia slices for 30 seconds per side, until golden brown and crisp.
  3. 3.
    Place the peas in a medium bowl and crush with a potato masher or the back of a large spoon. Season with salt and pepper and add the softened shallot and a little lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. 4.
    While the bruschettas are still warm, spread a layer of ricotta across each piece. Spoon some of the crushed peas on top and place them on a serving plate. Garnish with the lemon zest, sliced radishes, and pea tendrils (or mint). Drizzle each with the Agrumato lemon oil or extra virgin olive oil before serving.