Spring Pea Mint Crostini with Lemoncashew Ricotta

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy some vegan easter appetizers that’ll wow everyone this year? Honestly, these Spring Pea & Mint Crostini are like sunshine on a slice of bread. They taste so good!

Brief Overview

Crostini are basically little toasts. They’re an Italian classic. This recipe is medium difficulty. It takes about 40 minutes, plus some soaking time. It makes 12 crostini. Perfect for sharing.

Main Benefits

Peas are packed with goodness. So these are healthy ish, right? Serve these at your easter brunch vegan style! These are special because they bring fresh, spring flavours to your table.

Ready to see what's inside? Let's dive into the ingredients!

Spring Pea Crostini : Your New Favourite Vegan Easter Finger Foods

Oh my gosh, you HAVE to try this. I made these last year and they vanished so quickly. Seriously, even my Uncle Barry who usually only eats meat loved them! They are super tasty!

I mean, honestly, who doesn't love a good vegan appetizer recipes ? These gourmet vegan appetizers scream "spring" with their vibrant green colour. It is the star of the party!

This isn’t just any plant based easter snacks recipe. It's about bringing something fresh and delicious to the table. It's perfect if you are after a more easy vegan easter appetizers !

The Secret? That Lemon Cashew "Ricotta"!

You know, the cashew ricotta is the real game changer. I first thought, "Will this even work?" But trust me, it does.

I had some leftover last time and I put it on pasta the next day! Genius!

You should ensure to soak the cashews for at least 30 minutes. This will make it super smooth! And that touch of lemon? Chef's kiss .

Tips & Tricks

Soaking those cashews in hot water is essential. Trust me on this one. I tried to rush it once and the "ricotta" was still a bit grainy.

Also, don't be shy with the seasoning. A pinch of extra salt or a squeeze more lemon can really elevate the flavours.

Ingredients & Equipment for Vegan Easter Appetizers

Ready to make some delicious vegan easter finger foods ? These spring pea crostini with lemon cashew ricotta are killer! Let's get our ingredients together.

It's easier than you think. Honestly, even I felt like a gourmet chef making them. I was looking for new vegan appetizer recipes for easter and I was not let down, and neither will you.

Main Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for these easy vegan easter appetizers :

Lemon Cashew "Ricotta":

• 1 cup (150g) raw cashews (soaked)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) nutritional yeast
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.2ml) garlic powder

For the ricotta , quality cashews are key. Look for plump, whole cashews. They should smell fresh, not musty. Remember to soak them for at least 30 minutes ! That's the secret to the creamy texture.

Spring Pea & Mint Purée:

• 1 cup (150g) frozen peas (thawed)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh mint leaves
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Frozen peas are perfectly fine, but fresh mint is a must! It gives that spring flavor.

Crostini:

• 1 baguette
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1/4 cup (35g) pine nuts

Seasoning Notes

For this vegan easter party food , it is essential to balance the sweet and savory components. The lemon juice brightens both the ricotta and the purée.

It's like a little ray of sunshine! Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor.

Spice things up with a pinch of red pepper flakes in the purée. For an alternative to mint, you could also add lemon zest for additional flavor.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a fancy kitchen for these gourmet vegan appetizers . Here’s the bare minimum:

• Food processor or high speed blender
• Baking sheet

Seriously, that’s about it! If you don't have a food processor, a good blender will work in a pinch. You can toast the pine nuts in a dry pan.

Or, just use the oven alongside the crostini. This all in one can be a part of your easter brunch vegan .

I hope you give these amazing plant based easter snacks a try.

Spring Pea Crostini Magic: A Vegan Easter Appetizers Delight

Honestly, planning Easter can be a right faff. You know, trying to keep everyone happy, especially when you've got a mix of dietary needs.

This year, I'm totally nailing it with these incredible Spring Pea & Mint Crostini with Lemon Cashew "Ricotta". They're going to be some of the best vegan easter appetizers on the table.

Forget dry nut roasts. These are boujee, plant based easter snacks that even my Uncle Barry will devour and these are going to be a hit, perfect for your vegan easter party food.

This recipe makes about 12 crostini.

Prep Steps for Peak Deliciousness

Essential mise en place : We're talking soaking those cashews for at least 30 minutes (hot water is your friend!).

Thaw your peas too. It saves you tons of time later. You should also have your mint leaves measured out.

Time saving organization tips: While the cashews are soaking, get your crostini prepped and ready to go. Less faff later, you know? Everything in it's place before your start cooking.

Crafting Your Crostini: step-by-step

1. Ricotta Time: Drain those cashews! Toss them in your food processor with the 2 tablespoons lemon juice , 1 tablespoon olive oil , 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast , 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder , salt and pepper. Blend until super creamy. Taste. You might need more lemon!
2. Pea Power: Pop your peas, mint, 2 tablespoons olive oil , 1 tablespoon lemon juice , and a minced garlic clove in another food processor. Whizz it all up into a bright green, vibrant purée. Season like a pro.
3. Crostini Crunch: Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Brush your baguette slices with 2 tablespoons olive oil , and bake for 5- 7 minutes until golden. Crispy is key.
4. Nutty Goodness: Toast 1/4 cup of pine nuts in a dry pan until lightly golden. Watch them like a hawk, they burn easily.
5. Assemble! Spread that cashew "ricotta" on each crostini, top with the pea purée, and sprinkle with pine nuts. Ta-dah! Gourmet vegan appetizers done.

Pro Tips for a Crostini Masterpiece

Oh my gosh, the best shortcut? Soak the cashews in boiling water for 10 minutes if you're short on time.

Trust me, it works. These are incredibly easy vegan easter appetizers to assemble.

One of the most common mistakes is not seasoning enough. Taste, taste, taste! More lemon juice or salt can really bring it all together.

For the vegan easter finger foods , you'll want to avoid over processing your pea puree to avoid a pasty texture.

You can make the cashew "ricotta" and pea purée a day ahead, then just assemble the crostini right before serving for easy easter brunch vegan vibes.

You could say this is a perfect example of spring pea crostini. These would fit right in with vegan appetizer recipes .

Now, go forth and impress your guests!

Recipe Notes: Making Your Vegan Easter Appetizers Shine

Alright, let's chat about making these spring pea crostini extra special. Honestly, these are some of my fave easy vegan easter appetizers ! You know, those little touches that elevate a dish from "meh" to "OMG, where did you get this recipe?"

Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation Perfection

Okay, presentation matters, even for casual get-togethers. For these vegan easter finger foods , think springtime colours. Arrange the crostini on a platter with some edible flowers scattered around.

A sprig of fresh mint adds a touch of elegance. Pair these tasty gourmet vegan appetizers with a crisp glass of chilled prosecco, it's a match made in heaven! A light and refreshing cucumber salad would also be a perfect side, cutting through the richness of the lemon cashew ricotta.

Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh

So, you've got leftovers? No worries! The lemon cashew ricotta will keep in the fridge for about 3 days in an airtight container.

The pea purée will last for about 2 days, but it's best served fresh. I don't recommend freezing either component, as the texture might change.

The crostini are best enjoyed immediately, but you can store the baked baguette slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Reheat them briefly in the oven before assembling.

Variations: Mix It Up!

Feeling adventurous? Let's talk variations. For a nut-free option, try using soaked sunflower seeds instead of cashews for the "ricotta".

Trust me, it's still delicious! Want to add a bit of a kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes to the pea puree is amazing.

And if you're looking for seasonal swaps, use broad beans in the spring or butternut squash in the autumn for the puree! These can easily morph to the best vegan appetizer recipes

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

These little plant based easter snacks aren't just delicious; they're pretty good for you too! Each crostini has around 150 calories.

You're getting a decent dose of protein from the cashews. Plus, peas are packed with vitamins. It's a win-win situation! Don't forget these are great for a vegan easter party food platter! Or even perfect easter brunch vegan

I hope these tips help you create some truly amazing vegan easter appetizers . Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun in the kitchen! You got this!