An ideal light summer appetizer or a refreshing side dish. Creamy mozzarella or burrata with sweet figs with a unique twist of frozen grated gherkin. It’s a perfect balance of flavours and textures.
Preparation time
less than 30 mins
Cooking time
no cooking required
Serves
Serves 4
Dietary
Vegetarian
By Gurdeep Loyal
From Saturday Kitchen
This dish receives a B rating, indicating a well-balanced nutritional profile. The combination of cheese, figs, and olive oil provides a good balance of protein, fibre, and healthy fats, making it a nutritious option for a light meal or appetizer.
Equipment
Ingredients
- Mozzarella or Burrata: 2 large
- Ripe figs: 6, cut into quarters
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Fresh basil: small bunch, leaves left whole
- Pickled gherkins (or jalapenos): 1 large, frozen
- Sea salt: pinch
Method
Prepare the Platter
- Take a large platter
- Tear the mozzarella or burrata over the platter
- Scatter the fig quarters around the cheese
Add Flavoring
- Drizzle olive oil over the cheese and figs
- Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt
- Scatter whole fresh basil leaves across the platter
Finish the Dish
- Take the frozen gherkin (or jalapeno)
- Grate it over the entire dish
- Serve immediately
What can you serve with this
- Crusty bread for scooping up the creamy cheese
- Prosciutto for a salty contrast
- Honey drizzle for added sweetness
- Toasted pine nuts for crunch
- Balsamic glaze for a tangy finish
Nutri-score Health Check
Nutri-Score: B (Well-balanced)
This rating considers the protein from cheese, healthy fats from olive oil, and fibre from figs. The dish provides a good balance of nutrients with moderate calories. The use of fresh ingredients contributes to its nutritional value, making it a healthier option for an appetizer or light meal.
FAQ
- Can I use different types of cheese? Yes, soft cheeses like ricotta or goat cheese can be substituted.
- What if figs are not in season? You can use other fruits like peaches, pears, or berries.
- Is this dish vegetarian? Yes, it’s suitable for vegetarians.
- Can I prepare this in advance? It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare components separately and assemble just before serving.
- Why use frozen gherkins? Freezing makes it easier to grate and adds a unique texture and flavour.
- Can I omit the gherkin? Yes, you can skip it or replace with lemon zest for a different flavour profile.
- How long does this dish keep? It’s best consumed immediately but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- Is this dish gluten-free? Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.