Ricotta and Fresh Pea Toast

March 29, 2020

Serves 2

Pair with Rosé of Pinot Noir

1/2 cup Ricotta cheese, drained of excess liquid
Finely grated zest of 1/2 lemon
1/8 teaspoon fine salt, plus more for seasoning
Freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
2 thin slices Prosciutto (about 1 ounce), cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1 cup fresh or frozen peas
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh Mint leaves
1/2 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 (1-inch-thick) slices Brioche bread

Place Ricotta, lemon zest and 1/8 teaspoon of salt in a small bowl, season with pepper, mix to combine. Set aside to come to room temperature.

Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the Prosciutto in a single layer and cook, flipping occasionally until crisp and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove with tongs to a paper towel-lined plate and leave the rendered fat in the pan. While the Prosciutto is cooking, make the peas.

Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the peas and water, season with salt and pepper and simmer, stirring occasionally until peas are tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and smash the peas with a potato masher or a fork until most of the peas are broken up (they will absorb excess liquid). Stir in the mint and lemon juice. Taste and season with salt as needed, set aside.

Place the frying pan back over medium heat. Add the bread slices, swipe them across the bottom of the pan on both sides to absorb the grease and toast until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer the Brioche to serving plates.

Divide Ricotta mixture between the Brioche and spread into an even layer. Dollop the pea mixture over the Ricotta and gently spread into an even layer. Using your hands, break up the crispy Prosciutto into small pieces and sprinkle over the pea mixture. Serve immediately.