Savory Single Portions with Crispy Base

The savory single portions with crispy base are a perfect option for elegant appetizers or aperitifs. Here is a version with a crispy Parmesan base, an Italian classic, that serves as a bed for a rich filling.

Ingredients

• 200 g grated Parmesan
• 200 g fresh ricotta
• 50 g prosciutto crudo cut into cubes
• Chopped chives to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C and prepare a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
2. Sprinkle about a tablespoon of grated Parmesan on the tray, forming small circles. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed.
3. Bake for about 3-5 minutes or until the Parmesan turns golden and crispy.
4. Once golden, let the Parmesan discs cool on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.
5. Meanwhile, mix the ricotta with chopped chives, a pinch of black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil to create the filling.
6. Add the prosciutto crudo cubes to the ricotta mixture and stir gently.
7. When the Parmesan bases are cool, place a spoonful of filling in the center of each.
8. Serve the single portions at room temperature to enhance the mix of flavors and textures.

An Extra Touch: If you want to add a touch of color and freshness, you can decorate each single portion with a basil or fresh parsley leaf or with some pistachio granules for a crunchy contrast.

Trivia

This recipe plays on the encounter between the bold taste of Parmesan and the softness of ricotta, a pairing that often finds space in Italian cuisine, especially in baked preparations like savory pies and fillings for fresh pasta. Here, Parmesan also serves as a structural element, a creative example of how cheese can take on different roles in the kitchen.