Sides

Crostini with marinated zucchini

10 min Cook
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Crostini with marinated zucchini

Here’s a lazy snack for when you’re hungry but you don’t want to spoil your meal. With a few simple ingredients, you can make these delicious crostini.

What are crostini?

Crostini are a traditional Italian appetizer made from small, thin slices of rustic bread (often a baguette or ciabatta), lightly toasted or grilled until crisp.

What crostini are not

It might seem overly picky, but Italians do pay attention to details. Crostini are…

…not a crouton

Unlike croutons (which are typically small, hard, and used as a salad topping) crostini are larger, softer, and served as a base for a variety of savory toppings. These toppings can range from simple combinations like olive oil, garlic, and herbs to more elaborate spreads such as tomato and basil, or prosciutto and fig jam.

…not a toast

While toasts are usually thicker and often served as a breakfast or snack item, crostini are specifically designed as bite-sized appetizers, perfect for sharing and pairing with wine.

…not a bruschetta

While both are toasted bread with toppings, bruschetta is traditionally thicker and often features fresh, simple ingredients like tomatoes and basil, while crostini are smaller, more delicate, and can support a wider range of toppings, including spreads and pâtés.

While your life won’t depend on it, if you want to refine your understanding of Italian food, this is good insider info. Ready to try them?

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Crostini with marinated zucchini

Crostini with marinated zucchini

corinthian
This elegant yet simple appetizer brings together the fresh flavors of thinly sliced zucchini marinated in olive oil, white vinegar, and chili pepper, all nestled on top of perfectly toasted crostini. Light, refreshing, and full of Mediterranean charm, these bite-sized delights are perfect for entertaining or as a delightful starter to any meal.
prep time
10 min
cooking time
10 min
servings
10 crostini
total time
40 minutes

Equipment

  • Mandoline or knife

  • Bowl

  • Grilling pan

Ingredients

  • 2 small zucchini

  • 1/2 cup white wine vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 pinch powdered chili pepper

  • Sea salt, to taste

  • 10 small rustic bread slices

Instructions

1

Marinate the zucchini

Rinse well the zucchini, chop off their ends, and thinly slice them (better results are achieved with a mandoline). Transfer them to a large bowl and cover with the vinegar. Set aside to marinate for 20 minutes.
2

Season

Drain the zucchini from the vinegar, rinse them under running water and transfer them to a clean bowl. Season with salt and powdered chili pepper to taste, then drizzle with olive oil and gently toss them to coat evenly.
3

Toast the bread

Toast the bread (~1 minute each side) in a hot pan or a grill.
4

Compose and serve

Top the bread slices with your marinated zucchini and serve. Buon appetito!
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