Cicchetti
Venetian small plates - bite-sized snacks, akin to tapas, traditionally served at bàcari (wine bars) with a small glass of wine (ombra).
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 loaf Baguette or ciabatta
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- varied Assorted toppings
- for garnish Fresh parsley
- 1 per person Ombra (small glass of wine)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare all your chosen toppings in advance. This is the most time-consuming part. For example, to make baccalà mantecato, soak dried cod, then poach it in milk until tender, flake it, and whip it with olive oil, garlic, and pepper until creamy. For other toppings, ensure they are ready to be assembled.
⏱️ 25 minutes - 2
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) or prepare your grill. Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Lightly brush both sides of each slice with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Toast the bread slices until golden brown and slightly crisp. This can be done in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, or on a grill for 1-2 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent burning. The bread should be firm enough to hold toppings.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 4
Once the bread is toasted, begin assembling the cicchetti. Carefully spoon or arrange your prepared toppings onto each crostini. Aim for a visually appealing presentation, ensuring the topping is balanced on the bread.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 5
Garnish each cicchetto with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or other appropriate garnishes (e.g., a drizzle of olive oil, a caper).
⏱️ 3 minutes - 6
Serve the cicchetti immediately with small glasses of ombra (wine) for a true Venetian experience.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Cicchetti are meant to be varied and creative. Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations.
- ✓The key to good cicchetti is fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- ✓Serve them as a light lunch, appetizer, or part of a larger gathering.
- ✓Traditionally, cicchetti are enjoyed standing up at the bar with a glass of wine.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use ciabatta bread for a chewier base.
- Incorporate seasonal vegetables like asparagus or zucchini.
- Create sweet cicchetti for dessert, such as mascarpone with fruit.
- Explore regional Italian toppings beyond Venetian specialties.