Heirloom Tomato and Pepper Toasts with Whipped Ricotta

1 Review

Velvety smooth, lightly seasoned ricotta serves as the perfect base for juicy ripe tomatoes and charred peppers on grilled levain bread. Fennel pollen adds a light licorice flavor, while fresh basil, chives, and a hint of lemon juice add brightness to the smoky flavor from the grill.

By Jeremiah Langhorne
Updated on August 2, 2023
Tested by
Food & Wine Test Kitchen
Tested by Food & Wine Test Kitchen
Recipes published by Food & Wine are rigorously tested by the culinary professionals at the Dotdash Meredith Food Studios in order to empower home cooks to enjoy being in the kitchen and preparing meals they will love. Our expert culinary team tests and retests each recipe using equipment and ingredients found in home kitchens to ensure that every recipe is delicious and works for cooks at home every single time.
Meet the Food & Wine Test Kitchen
Heirloom Tomato and Pepper Toasts with Whipped Ricotta
Photo: Con Poulos
Total Time:
20 mins
Yield:
6 to 8
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ripe heirloom tomatoes

  • 1 7/8 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

  • 5/8 teaspoon black pepper, divided

  • 2 cups whole-milk ricotta

  • 2 ounces heirloom or baby peppers (such as Jimmy Nardello or shishito)

  • 1/4 cup Garlic Oil or extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 1 (16-ounce) levain or other rustic bread loaf, cut into 3/4-inch slices

  • 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt (such as J.Q. Dickinson)

  • 1/8 teaspoon fennel pollen or toasted and crushed fennel seeds

  • 1/4 cup small fresh basil leaves

  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives

  • 1/2 lemon

  • Hot sauce (optional)

Directions

  1. Cut tomatoes into 1/2-inch-thick pieces; place on a plate, and season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Set aside.

  2. Combine ricotta, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and remaining 1/8 teaspoon black pepper in a food processor. Process until smooth and light, about 30 seconds.

  3. Toss together peppers and 1 tablespoon garlic oil. Brush both sides of bread slices with remaining 3 tablespoons garlic oil.

  4. Preheat grill to high (450°F to 500°F). Place peppers on oiled grates; grill, uncovered, turning often, until speckled with char, about 3 minutes. Place bread on grill, and grill, uncovered, until well toasted, about 1 minute and 30 seconds per side. Remove any charred, thick skin from peppers. Season with remaining 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt; cut into bite-size pieces, and set aside.

  5. To assemble toasts, spread about 2 tablespoons ricotta mixture on each bread slice. Divide tomatoes and peppers evenly among toasts; sprinkle with flaky sea salt and fennel pollen. Top toasts with basil, chives, a squeeze of lemon, and, if desired, a dash of hot sauce. Serve immediately.

Originally appeared: August 2019

Related Articles

Heirloom Tomato Salad with Pickled Ramp Vinaigrette
9 Ideal Heirloom Tomato Recipes
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Tomatoes with Piquillo Peppers
Spinach-and-Ricotta-Stuffed Tomatoes with Piquillo Peppers
1 hr 50 mins
Card Placeholder Image
Shrimp with Tomato and Chile Pepper
Heirloom Tomato Toast
31 Juicy Summer Tomato Recipes
Sparks's Sautéed Filet Mignon with Yellow Tomato Vinaigrette
Sparks's Sautéed Filet Mignon with Yellow Tomato Vinaigrette
Salmon-Tomato Skewers
Salmon and Cherry Tomato Skewers with Rosemary Vinaigrette
40 mins
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Tomatoes with Piquillo Peppers
5 Best Stuffed Tomatoes
Roasted Tomatoes
Roasted Tomatoes
4 hrs
Grilled Salmon with Melted Tomatoes
20 Days of Perfect Summer Tomatoes
Herbed Lamb Meatballs with Rich Tomato Sauce and Ricotta
Herbed Lamb Meatballs with Rich Tomato Sauce and Ricotta
1 hr 30 mins
No-Cook Summer Tomato Sauce
No-Cook Summer Tomato Sauce
35 mins
Tomatoes with Herbs and Almond Vinaigrette
Tomatoes with Herbs and Almond Vinaigrette
45 mins
Closeup of Tomatoes with Herbs and Almond Vinaigrette
18 Tomato Salad Recipes
Tomato-Feta Salad with Lime and Mint
Tomato-Feta Salad with Lime and Mint
20 mins
Chicken and Sun-Dried-Tomato Meatballs
16 Ways to Fall in Love with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Tofu, Kale & Cherry Tomatoes in White Wine Sauce
Tofu, Kale & Cherry Tomatoes in White Wine Sauce
20 mins