Basil ricotta toast

Ricotta toast has become a bit of a trend, and I'll admit I resisted at first. But with an elegant twist like this, I'm a convert. This basil ricotta toast elevates the basic idea and is an easy, simple, fresh and tasty snack or lunch.

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You may have seen me mention before that I'm usually not the first to jump on trends and am instead a bit more skeptical. However I'll sometimes try them over time and come round to them.

Take Buddha bowls, for example - it's really just a trendy way of saying a mix of grain, protein, veggies and a sauce as many cultures have been doing for years, like the Korean sashimi rice bowl, hoedeopbap, I shared. And I've run with the idea in my leftover steak and quinoa bowl (a particular favorite).

Avocado toast is another - open sandwiches, like Danish smørrebrød, have been around for ages, so it's no big leap to use avocado. And while I haven't shared in it's simplest form, my golden beet and avocado toast is still one of my favorite bread-based dishes.

This basil ricotta toast gives it a bit of a run for it's money, though. Especially when you factor in how easy it is.

Steps to make this basil ricotta toast

• Whip together the ricotta, lemon zest and juice and shredded basil;
• Toast the bread;
• Spread the ricotta mixture on the toast.
• Although not absolutely needed, I love it topped with a little oil and slow roasted tomatoes.

As with many things so simple, it's all about ingredients. I found some fantastic local ricotta to use as a base, some great sourdough bread and made some slow roasted tomatoes to top them off. Some dukkah on top would also be good to give a contrast in texture. 

This makes a delicious, light lunch or snack. Because it's not just kids lunch box ideas we need, right - lunch should be tasty for all! (By the way, try one of these make ahead salads as another great lunch/picnic idea).

Basil ricotta toast is such a simple dish that is so quick and easy to make, but with wonderfully tasty flavors. The little bit of basil and lemon in the ricotta give a lovely freshness to the smooth, creamy cheese. You can even make the ricotta mixture ahead of time and put it in a small container to take with you on a picnic or to work. Because you'll want the excuse to enjoy it often.

Get more inspiration in the lunch recipes archives.

See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline's Cooking Amazon store. 

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