Imagine a culinary journey that transports you straight to the rolling hills of Tuscany with just one bite. This Duck Liver Crostini Toscane is not just a recipe; it's an exquisite symphony of rich, creamy duck liver pâté and zesty, spicy cucumber salad that will revolutionize your appetizer game. Perfect for sophisticated dinner parties or when you want to impress your guests with a restaurant-quality starter that looks complex but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup duck liver pâté
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 tablespoon chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) for toasting the baguette slices.
- Slice the baguette diagonally into thin, even pieces about 1/2 inch thick. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet and lightly brush with olive oil.
- Toast the baguette slices in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes until they become golden and crisp. Remove and let cool on a wire rack.
- While the crostini are cooling, prepare the cucumber salad. Wash and thinly slice the cucumber using a sharp knife or mandoline.
- In a small bowl, mix the sliced cucumber with olive oil, chili flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to ensure even coating.
- Spread a generous layer of duck liver pâté on each toasted crostini, ensuring even coverage.
- Top each crostini with a few slices of the spicy cucumber salad, arranging them artfully on the pâté.
- Arrange the finished Duck Liver Crostini on a serving platter and garnish with additional chili flakes if desired.
- Serve immediately at room temperature to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Tips
- Temperature is key: Ensure your oven is precisely preheated to 375°F for perfectly crisp crostini.
- Use a mandoline for cucumber slices to get uniform, paper-thin cuts that look professional.
- Let the crostini cool completely before spreading pâté to prevent sogginess.
- Choose a high-quality duck liver pâté for the most authentic flavor.
- For an extra gourmet touch, let the cucumber salad marinate for 10 minutes before serving to enhance the spicy flavors.
- Serve immediately after assembling to maintain the crispness of the crostini and the freshness of the cucumber.
- If you can't find duck liver pâté, chicken liver pâté makes an excellent substitute.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 150mg
