1batch of lactose free ricottasee notes for recipe or regular deli style ricotta
5-6large capsicumsI used 4 large red and 2 small yellow
For the drizzle:
1-2tablespoonsroasted capsicum liquidscale up or down as you see fit
1-2tablespoonsbalsamic vinegar
1/2-1tablespoonlight brown sugaryou can use an equal ratio of the three if you prefer a sweeter glaze
For the lemon croutons:
Stale gluten free sourdoughI used around 200g, see notes for recipe
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and freshly cracked pepperto taste
Good quality olive oil
Optional extras:
herb of choicebasil or mint would be nice
Some toasted nutspine nuts or walnuts would be lovely
Some chilli flakespaste or oil
Olives or capers
Instructions
TO MAKE THE RICOTTA:
See the notes for a link to my lactose free ricotta recipe. If you’re using store bought, proceed to the next step.
TO PREPARE THE CAPSICUMS:
Preheat the oven to 200C or 400F. Line a large baking sheet with baking paper so that no liquid will meander onto the tray. Rub a teaspoon of olive oil into your palms and light coat the capsicums so that the skin will be easier to remove later. Place the capsicums into the oven for 1 hour, or until their skin is blackened and blistered and flesh soft.
Remove from the oven and transfer into a heatproof bowl, liquid and all. Place a cool baking tray over the top so that no steam can escape. Allow the capsicums to sit for 10-15 minutes – the steam will assist in removing their skins.
Once the capsicums are cooled, take an individual capsicum and hold it over a bowl, stem facing the bowl. Pull on the stem and allow it, along with the liquid and (hopefully) seeds to fall into the bowl. Peel the capsicum and place the peel in the bowl, the flesh in a new bowl. Try to get the seeds off where possible but don’t be precious about it, and definitely don’t rinse the capsicum!
Repeat with the remaining capsicums until you have a bowl of beautiful roasted cap.
TO MAKE THE GLAZE:
Take 2-3 tablespoons of the capsicum juices and place them in a small saucepan with the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. Cook over a low heat until the glaze thickens and becomes viscous.
TO MAKE THE LEMON CROUTONS:
Tear or slice your stale bread into small, bite sized chunks. If you can still tear it (super stale bread is easier to cut) torn pieces tend to get crispier and have a more interesting texture and appearance.
Heat a large skillet over a medium heat. Add a good glug of good quality olive oil – the staler the bread, the more oil it will need, but only add oil as you see fit.
Zest the lemon straight into the oil, and add the seasoning. Throw the bread into the skillet and toss well to coat in the oil and flavours. Turn the heat up a little and cook until the bread is golden brown and crispy. Again, add a little extra oil if necessary. These croutons are best served warm, particularly if the bread is super stale. They tend to dry up again inside if left to cool.
TO ASSEMBLE:
Layer all the ingredients on the plate and dress with the balsamic glaze. Add a little finishing salt and some freshly cracked pepper, along with any other extras you’re using. Serve immediately if you can, although it does make nice leftovers provided you moisten the croutons a little.