Kale pesto, made with fresh mint and toasted walnuts, and ricotta are the perfect topping for crostini – it makes a quick, easy, and delicious appetizer!
Now that spring is here and there is actually daylight after work, we love spending time on the rooftop of our building. There is something so relaxing about looking out over the hustle and bustle of the city, but being so far above it. And of course a nice glass of wine helps with the relaxation and enjoyment! Nothing beats enjoying a crisp glass of white wine on a warm evening looking out over NYC, especially when that wine is a Spanish one from Ribera y Rueda.
Having a delicious appetizer to enjoy with the wine is a necessity. I love easy appetizer recipes that taste amazing and look pretty – to me that is the best way to entertain! These Crostini topped with Kale Pesto and Ricotta fit the bill – they are delicious and are so simple to prepare.
Ribera del Duero and Rueda are regions in the northwest of Spain, about an hour away from Madrid. I had no idea there was wine country so close to Madrid – I wish we had visited when we were there in November! Oh well, I guess we will have to go back sometime to see this beautiful area. And until then, I’m so glad that we can enjoy their delicious wine here in the US.
They clearly know what they are doing – winemakers from Ribera and Rueda have been doing this for over 2,000 years! The flavor of the Rueda Verdejos, the white grape varietal, is bright, crisp and creative. Ribera del Duero Tempranillos is the red grape varietal, and has a bold, rugged and ripe taste. Ribera y Rudeda suggests opening the Ribera Tempranillo bottle and letting it breath for around 10-15 minutes before drinking, and the Rueda Verdejo is best served chilled.
Check out their fun Tumblr page to learn more about wine pairings. They even have a wine-themed playlist!
This kale pesto is so simple to make, and the taste is amazing. It combines mint and toasted walnuts with kale, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil and lemon juice. It has such a bright, fresh flavor and you can’t beat that bright green color! I like to create a little DIY crostini spread with a bowl of fresh ricotta cheese, a bowl of kale pesto, and then some toasted baguette slices. Then you and your guests can pile on as much topping as you desire!
Pair these crostini with a nice glass of Spanish wine and say “Sí” to springtime entertaining!
Kale pesto, made with fresh mint and toasted walnuts, and ricotta are the perfect topping for crostini - it makes a quick, easy, and delicious appetizer!
Ingredients
- 2 cups kale
- 1 cup mint
- 1-2 garlic cloves
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 baguette
- olive oil
- ricotta
Instructions
- In a food processor, add kale, mint, garlic, parmesan, walnuts, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Process until a green paste starts to form. With the processor on, slowly stream in the olive oil until the mixture comes together and is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Scoop pesto into a bowl.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cut baguette into slices and arrange on a cookie sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and then bake for 7-10 minutes, until light golden brown.
- Spoon ricotta into a bowl and drizzle with olive oil, if desired. Arrange a platter with toast slices, bowl of kale pesto and bowl of ricotta and serve. To assemble a crostini, spread a toast with ricotta and then top with kale pesto.
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Remind me to come visit your rooftop next time I’m in the city please!! Love how cozy it is and I agree nothing will beat perfect white wine and appetizers.
I love the look and sound of this crostini! My husband is always wanting to snack before dinner, and I think this would be perfect for him 🙂
WOW are you kidding me with this view?! So amazing! And even better if you can enjoy those delicious-looking kale pesto ricotta crostini up there! They look so delicious!
Wow, I love that you have a rooftop view – how perfect. I’m always on the lookout for new wines to try. I’m a huge fan of Tempranillos, so I’ll have to add these wines to my list to try. The crostini is perfect to pair with a glass of wine – light and so fresh.
This looks so lovely! I love the vibrant green. My mother-in-law loves her wine, so I will definitely need to grab a bottle for her!
mmmmmmm I love this crostini! I’ve been meaning to try kale pesto, too!
That VIEW! Gorgeous! Not to mention the food and wine – yes please!
Kale pesto – sign me up! I love the ricotta thrown in the mix too. This sounds so tasty!
Gorgeous pictures!!!