
Little Gem Boats with Citrus Ricotta, Sautéed Grapes and Crunchy Hazelnuts
A quick, original appetizer featuring crisp little gem lettuce leaves filled with lemon-orange ricotta, topped with warm sautéed grapes and toasted hazelnuts. Fresh, creamy, and ready in minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 2 units little gem lettuce (separados en leaves tipo barquita)
- 180 g ricotta cheese (whole or tradicional)
- 120 g seedless red grapes (cut por the mitad)
- 30 g toasted hazelnuts (chopped groseramente)
- 15 ml olive oil (divided)
- 10 ml honey (for glasear lightly the uvas)
- 1 1 unit lemon (2 tsp de jugo)
- 1 1 unit orange (zest fina)
- 8 g fresh chives (finely chopped)
- 1 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 g salt (or to taste)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. Wash the little gem lettuce, separate 8 to 12 large boat-shaped leaves, and dry them well. Set aside.
- 2
2. In a bowl, mix the ricotta with 5 ml (1 tsp) olive oil, the lemon zest, orange zest, 10 ml (2 tsp) lemon juice, half of the chives, 1 g (about 1/6 tsp) salt, and black pepper until creamy but still rustic.
- 3
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat, about 350°F / 175°C surface temperature. Add the remaining 10 ml (2 tsp) olive oil and the grapes. Sauté for 2 minutes, add the honey, and cook 2 minutes more, stirring, until glossy and just softened but not collapsing.
- 4
4. Fill each little gem leaf with a spoonful of the citrus ricotta. Spoon the warm sautéed grapes on top.
- 5
5. Finish with the chopped toasted hazelnuts, the remaining chives, and an extra pinch of salt if needed. Serve immediately to keep the contrast of crisp, creamy, and warm textures.
Chef tips
Dry the leaves very well so the ricotta adheres better. For more contrast, chill the ricotta for 5 minutes before assembling and use the grapes straight from the skillet.
Substitutions
You can swap the hazelnuts for pistachios if specific tree nuts are not a concern. Ricotta can be replaced with thick whipped fresh cheese, and chives can be swapped for mint or dill.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
Illustrative imageVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
Illustrative imageTeakhaus Teak Cutting Board
Stable base for chopping
- Stable surface for chopping
- Gentle on your knife edge
- Hand-wash and let it dry
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