Best Melted Pepper Ricotta Toast Recipes

MELTED-PEPPER SPREAD

Steps:

• Slice the onions thinly, into 1/8-inch half-moons. (A food processor is great here, and you can reuse it for the peppers later.)
• Heat the oil in a large, tall-sided skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onions and 2 big pinches of salt. Stir every couple of minutes so they become soft without getting too much color (browning in spots is fine), about 10 minutes total.
• Meanwhile, stem, seed and slice the peppers into 1/8-inch strips.
• When the onions are ready, add the peppers and garlic and another 2 big pinches of salt, and stir until the juices collect in the bottom of the pan, then let it cook. After about 10 minutes, the juices may have cooked off, so keep a closer eye on the pan, and stir more frequently so it doesn't burn.
• After 5 minutes or so, or when the sound has turned from a steamy bubble to a more crackling sizzle, you'll want to stir about 30 seconds to a minute, to pick up any bits that have caramelized, and dissolve them back in.
• After another 5 minutes, or when the peppers are very soft and spreadable and everything smells fantastic and sweet, add the thyme and vinegar and cook, stirring, for 1 more minute. Taste, and add more salt or vinegar if desired. Remove the peppers from the heat, and let cool. Store, refrigerated, for up to 2 weeks. It tastes best at room temperature or warm.

MASHED PEA AND RICOTTA TOAST

Steps:

• Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil.
• Blanch the peas in briskly boiling salted water until a little soft, 1 to 2 minutes, then retire to ice water and remove. Blanch the snow peas for about 30 seconds, then place in the ice water. Drain and set aside in a small bowl.
• Place the peas in a food processor, then break up or pulse until coarsely crushed. Incorporate about 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, salt, pepper and the juice of 1/2 lemon. It should be bright but not overly acidic. Season with salt and pepper and add 2 tablespoons julienned mint.
• Mix together the julienne of snow peas and red onion in a small bowl and dress with about 2 tablespoons olive oil, the remaining lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste.
• Brush the bread slices with about 2 tablespoons olive oil and grill on both sides until nicely charred, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Place the ricotta in a bowl, then add the remaining 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, zest of 1/2 lemon, salt and pepper and mix well.
• Spread each piece of bread with the ricotta and top with the crushed peas. Place on top of the snow pea mixture, then garnish with the mint leaves and Parmesan.