Description

This Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug elevates the classic focaccia toast into a flavorful, herby delight. With whipped honey ricotta, spicy zhug, and savory coppa, this dish is perfect for a snack, appetizer, or light lunch.

Ingredients

For the Zhug:

½ cup packed parsley leaves

½ cup packed basil leaves

2 tablespoons fresh mint

1 garlic clove

1 jalapeno (seeds and stem removed, chopped)

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon coriander

¼ teaspoon cardamom

Juice of ½ lemon

½ cup olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Honey Ricotta:

1 cup whole milk ricotta

2 tablespoons honey

For the Toast:

4 slices focaccia bread

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 garlic clove (for rubbing)

6 ounces thinly sliced coppa

½ cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes

¼ cup toasted pine nuts

Maldon salt and freshly cracked pepper for finishing

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Instructions

Make the Zhug: In a blender, combine the parsley, basil, mint, garlic, jalapeno, cumin, coriander, cardamom, lemon juice, and olive oil. Puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Prepare the Honey Ricotta: In a bowl, whisk together the ricotta and honey until smooth and well combined.
Toast the Focaccia: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the focaccia bread into 4 slices. Brush the open cut side with olive oil and toast in the oven for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown. Once out of the oven, rub the toasted side with the garlic clove.
Assemble the Toast: Spread a layer of honey ricotta on each slice of toasted focaccia. Top with thinly sliced coppa, a drizzle of zhug, sun-dried tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts.
Finish and Serve: Sprinkle Maldon salt and freshly cracked black pepper on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Variations: Add arugula or mixed greens for freshness, or swap the ricotta with goat cheese for a tangier flavor.

Spicy Kick: Adjust the heat in zhug by adding more jalapeno or chili flakes if you prefer more spice.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Blending, Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 280
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 15mg