Frequently Asked Questions
What are Elysian Burrata & Artichoke Tartines?
They are delightful open-faced sandwiches featuring creamy burrata, briny artichokes, and a unique roasted lemon mint pesto.
What inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the vibrant spirit of Los Angeles and a nostalgic dining experience at Gjelina.
What kind of bread is best for these tartines?
A baguette or any thickly sliced bread of your choice works perfectly for this recipe.
How do you prepare the lemons for the pesto?
Wash, thinly slice, and seed the lemons, then roast them at 450°F for 15 to 17 minutes until caramelized.
What is the benefit of roasting the lemons?
Roasting lemons enhances their sweetness while mellowing their acidity, creating a harmonious balance.
Can I substitute hazelnuts in the pesto?
Yes, you can use toasted almonds as a substitute for hazelnuts in the roasted lemon mint pesto.
How much burrata cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of burrata cheese to be dolloped onto the tartines.
What type of artichokes should I use?
Use 1/2 cup of artichoke hearts that are packed in oil for the best flavor profile.
What temperature should the oven be for roasting lemons?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (232°C).
How long does it take to roast the lemon slices?
The lemon slices should roast for approximately 15 to 17 minutes until the juices become sticky.
What ingredients are in the roasted lemon mint pesto?
The pesto consists of roasted lemon slices, olive oil, fresh mint leaves, toasted hazelnuts or almonds, garlic, and sea salt.
What is the desired consistency of the pesto?
The mixture should be pulsed until it reaches a lightly chunky pesto consistency.
How should the bread be prepared before assembly?
Gently toast the bread to your desired level of crispness and drizzle it with a little olive oil.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these burrata and artichoke tartines are a vegetarian-friendly dish.
What garnishes are used for the tartines?
Top the tartines with decorative fresh mint leaves and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
How many garlic cloves are needed for the pesto?
The recipe requires 2 garlic cloves for the pesto mixture.
Can I make the pesto in a food processor?
Yes, a small food processor is ideal for pulsing the roasted lemons and other pesto ingredients.
How much olive oil is used in the entire recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons of olive oil, divided between roasting and drizzling.
Should the roasted lemons be cooled before blending?
Yes, allow the roasted lemons to cool for about 10 minutes before transferring them to the food processor.
Are the artichoke hearts cooked or raw?
The recipe uses oil-packed artichoke hearts, which are typically pre-cooked and ready to eat.
What provides the heat in this dish?
The heat comes from the crushed red pepper flakes added as a garnish to taste.
Is this recipe suitable for a brunch?
Yes, these tartines are perfect for a charming brunch, a light lunch, or as an appetizer for gatherings.
How much fresh mint is needed for the pesto?
You will need 1 cup of fresh mint leaves specifically for the pesto.
Should the lemon slices be seeded?
Yes, ensure the lemon slices are seeded before roasting to avoid bitterness in the pesto.
How do you assemble the tartines?
Dollop burrata onto toast, add artichoke hearts, top with pesto, and add garnishes.
What kind of salt is used?
The recipe specifies using 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt for the pesto.
Can I use water-packed artichokes instead?
While oil-packed are suggested for richness, you can use water-packed artichokes if they are well-drained.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe uses half a baguette, which typically serves 2 to 4 people as an appetizer or light lunch.
What should I do if the pesto is too thick?
You can add a tiny bit more olive oil until the desired chunky consistency is reached.
Should the tartines be served warm?
They should be served immediately after assembly while the bread is still toasted and fresh.