History of Crostinis

Crostini, whose name literally means "little crusts" in Italian, has its origins in Italian cuisine, where they are often served as an antipasto, or appetizer or starter. This simple yet refined dish dates back centuries, when peasants would use stale bread to create a crusty base on which they would add seasonal ingredients or leftovers.

Traditionally, crostini were topped with humble ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and fresh tomatoes. However, over time, recipes have evolved to include more sophisticated combinations, from grilled vegetables to cheeses, cured meats, and even seafood. Crostini are now popular around the world, thanks to their versatility and the way they adapt to all sorts of flavors, whether sweet or savory.

The combination of zucchini, creamy ricotta, and maple sugar with a hint of thyme makes this a perfect recipe for summer or any time of year. Easy to make, these crispy crostini are also a great choice to impress your guests with a combination of sweet and savory flavors.

Summary
🔍 Information	Details
⏱️ Preparation time	15 minutes
🍳 Cooking time	5-7 minutes
⏲️ Total time	20-25 minutes
🔧 Difficulty level	Easy
🍽️ Portions	4

Ingredients
1 baguette sliced into thin rounds 1 zucchini (green or yellow), grated 150 g ricotta 2 tbsp maple sugar 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme) 1 tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper to taste A drizzle ofhoney or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the zucchini: Grate the zucchini and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then squeeze the zucchini to extract excess water.
Toast the bread: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Lightly brush the baguette slices with olive oil, then toast them in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes.
Prepare the ricotta mixture: Mix the ricotta with the thyme and maple sugar. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the zucchini: Brown the zucchini in a hot pan with a little olive oil for 2 to 3 minutes.
Assemble the crostini: Spread the ricotta mixture on each slice of bread, then add the sautéed zucchini.
Garnish: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup and sprinkle with fresh thyme.

Nutritional Information per Serving
Nutrient	Quantity
Calories	180 kcal
Proteins	5 g
Carbohydrates	22 g
Lipids	8 g
Sugars	6 g
Sodium	150 mg

Product mentioned in this recipe

FAQ

1. Can crostini be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance, but it is recommended to assemble the crostini just before serving to prevent the bread from getting soggy.

2. What other variety of cheese can I use?
Ricotta is light and creamy, but you can also use cream cheese or feta for a saltier version.

3. Do I absolutely have to drain the zucchini?
Yes, it is highly recommended to drain the grated zucchini to prevent it from making the crostini too moist.

Tips and advice:

Drained Zucchini : Don't skip the step of draining the zucchini. This ensures that your crostini stays crispy and nicely textured.
Customize your topping : Add toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds to add crunch to your crostini.
Optional Maple Syrup : For those who like a touch of sweetness, drizzling maple syrup on top of the crostini perfectly complements the sweetness of the ricotta.
Fresh Thyme vs. Dried Thyme : Fresh thyme has a more intense and fragrant flavor than dried thyme. If using dried thyme, reduce the amount to avoid overpowering the flavor.

Variants:

Swap the zucchini for candied tomatoes or peppers to vary the vegetables.
Replace the ricotta with goat or brousse cheese for a different texture.

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