Tuesday Tastings :: Blueberry Chutney + Ricotta

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We’re hosting a little poolside BBQ for the Fourth this year, and I’m working up a menu made for grazing over the course of an afternoon filled with sparkling rosé and cider beer. I love that these crostini topped with fresh ricotta and blueberry chutney give a nod to patriotism in red, white & blue, without being quite as obvious as, say, a flag cake (not that I don’t love flag cakes, Mom… I actually really do!) The blueberry chutney can be made completely in advance – in fact, I doubled this recipe and stashed a jar in my fridge for this Thursday’s feast. And now that I’ve perfected the flavors, I’m dreaming of serving it alongside a grilled pork tenderloin, or letting it drip down over a wheel of warm brie served with crackers. Keep reading for the recipe!

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Blueberry Chutney & Ricotta Crostini

*makes 18 crostini

Ingredients:

• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/2″ knob fresh ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
• a few sprigs fresh thyme, plus more for garnish
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• squeeze fresh lemon juice
• 1 baguette, sliced thinly on the diagonal
• 2 cups fresh ricotta (or if not “fresh,” make sure it’s whole milk)
• garnish: fresh thyme, lemon zest & flake salt like maldon

Instructions:

1. In a small skillet, warm a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallot, and sauté until it starts to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the blueberries, ginger, brown sugar, vinegar, thyme and salt. Turn the heat to low, and let simmer for 15 minutes until it starts to thicken. Add the cornstarch and let simmer for 1 more minutes, stirring gently.
2. Remove from heat and add a squeeze of lemon juice. Let chutney cool, and either serve at room temperature, or refrigerate until ready to use.
3. To make crostini: Heat grill or indoor grill pan to high heat. Brush each side of bread slices with extra virgin olive oil, then grill until lightly charred, about 1 minute per side. Sprinkle lightly with salt, then add a dollop of fresh ricotta and a tablespoon of the chutney.
4. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, lemon zest and a sprinkle of maldon salt.

*photos by Camille