When I came across this recipe, I was looking for something using fresh garlic. When I saw that it also called for broccoli, honey, fresh ricotta, and a baguette, I was hooked. The combination of flavors and textures is nothing short of sublime, and “hot honey” is definitely worth knowing how to do.
(I think you could use any good artisan bread from Native Bread, Bake Sale, or Jason Michael Thomas. Top with cooked chopped greens like chard or kale instead of the broccoli; and try chevre from Sirocco Ridge instead of ricotta. By the way, you can buy hot pepper infused honey from either of our two honey vendors.)
Broccoli and Garlic-Ricotta Toasts with Hot Honey
recipe by Claire Saffitz at bon appetit
Ingredients:
- 1 baguette, sliced ½” thick on a diagonal (about 12 slices)
- 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 head of broccoli, stem peeled, stem and florets chopped into ½” pieces
- 1 head of garlic, cloves separated
- Salt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1½ cups fresh ricotta
- Freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
- Place racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 400°.
- Arrange bread slices in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with 2 Tbsp. oil. Toss on baking sheet to coat, then arrange again in a single layer. Place broccoli and garlic on another rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with remaining 4 Tbsp. oil. Season generously with salt and toss to combine.
- Place broccoli on top rack and bread on bottom rack and roast until bread is golden brown and crisp, 10–12 minutes. Remove bread from oven and continue to roast broccoli and garlic, tossing once, until broccoli is browned all over and garlic is tender, another 15–20 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Meanwhile, whisk honey, vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- As soon as garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze cloves out of their skins and mash in another small bowl to form a paste. Add ricotta and mix well; season with salt and black pepper.
- Spread ricotta over toasts and top with roasted broccoli. Arrange on a platter and drizzle with honey mixture. Makes 6 servings.
For another fresh take on garlic, try out this bonus cucumber recipe with Ajo Blanco, a creamy garlic and almond sauce.
