Savory Manchego and Fig Chutney Crostini
Elevate your next gathering with these Savory Manchego and Fig Chutney Crostini. This delightful spread combines the sweetness of fresh figs with the richness of Manchego cheese, all beautifully enhanced by a spiced chutney that features red onions, ginger, and warm spices. Each crostini is a perfect balance of flavors, making it an irresistible appetizer or snack that is sure to impress your guests. Perfect for outdoor gatherings, holiday parties, or cozy nights in, this recipe will be a standout at any table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Figs
4 (cut into wedges)
Brown sugar
4 tablespoons
Red onion
1 (finely chopped)
Fresh ginger
1 inch (grated)
Red wine vinegar
4 tablespoons
Mustard seeds
1 teaspoon
Cinnamon stick
1
Star anise
1
Manchego cheese
100 g (shaved)
Baguette
12 slices (sliced thin)
Rocket
1/2 cup (fresh)
Olive oil
(for drizzling)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the finely chopped red onion, brown sugar, mustard seeds, grated ginger, red wine vinegar, cinnamon stick, and star anise. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent, about 10-15 minutes.
2
Once the onions are soft, add the fig wedges to the pan. Cook gently for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the figs begin to break down and meld into a chutney consistency. Remove from heat and discard the cinnamon stick and star anise.
3
Meanwhile, preheat your grill or broiler. Brush the baguette slices with olive oil on both sides. Grill or broil the slices until they are toasted and golden, about 2-3 minutes on each side.
4
To assemble, spoon a generous amount of the fig chutney onto each toasted baguette slice. Top with shaved Manchego cheese and a few fresh rocket leaves for a peppery crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Manchego and Fig Chutney Crostini?
They are a sophisticated appetizer featuring toasted baguette slices topped with a homemade fig and onion chutney, shaved Manchego cheese, and fresh rocket leaves.
What type of figs are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 fresh figs that are cut into wedges to be cooked into the chutney.
How do you prepare the chutney base?
Combine finely chopped red onion, brown sugar, mustard seeds, grated ginger, red wine vinegar, a cinnamon stick, and star anise in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
How long should the onions cook for the chutney?
The onions should be cooked for approximately 10-15 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
At what point are the figs added to the mixture?
The fig wedges are added once the onions have softened, then cooked for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
What is the desired consistency for the fig chutney?
The chutney is ready when the figs begin to break down and meld with the onions and spices into a thick consistency.
Which whole spices should be removed after cooking the chutney?
You must discard the cinnamon stick and the star anise before assembling the crostini.
How should the baguette be prepared?
The baguette should be sliced into 12 thin pieces, brushed with olive oil on both sides, and grilled or broiled until golden.
How long does it take to toast the baguette slices?
It takes about 2-3 minutes on each side under a grill or broiler to achieve a toasted, golden finish.
What is Manchego cheese?
Manchego is a rich, semi-hard cheese from Spain made from sheep's milk, which provides a savory contrast to the sweet figs.
How is the Manchego cheese prepared for the topping?
The recipe specifies using 100g of Manchego cheese that has been shaved into thin pieces.
What is the purpose of adding rocket to the crostini?
Rocket, or arugula, adds a peppery crunch and fresh flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and the sweetness of the chutney.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains only bread, cheese, fruits, vegetables, and spices.
Can I make the fig chutney in advance?
Yes, the fig chutney can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the crostini.
How many crostini does this recipe make?
Based on the ingredient list, this recipe yields approximately 12 individual crostini.
What kind of vinegar is used in the chutney?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of red wine vinegar to provide acidity and depth to the chutney.
What type of sugar is used for the sweetness?
Four tablespoons of brown sugar are used to sweeten and help caramelize the onion and fig mixture.
How much ginger is needed for the recipe?
You will need a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, which should be grated before adding to the saucepan.
Can I substitute the Manchego cheese?
If Manchego is unavailable, you could substitute it with another firm cheese like Pecorino Romano or a sharp white cheddar.
Are the mustard seeds whole or ground?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of whole mustard seeds to be cooked into the chutney base.
What is the best way to serve these?
They should be served immediately after assembly to ensure the bread remains crunchy and the flavors are fresh.
Can I use dried figs instead of fresh?
While fresh figs are preferred for texture, you can use dried figs if you rehydrate them slightly first, though the flavor may be more concentrated.
Is this a good holiday recipe?
Yes, it is specifically tagged for holiday recipes and party food due to its elegant presentation and complex flavor profile.
Do I need to peel the fresh ginger?
Yes, you should typically peel the ginger before grating it into the chutney mixture.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is a balance of sweet figs, tangy vinegar, savory Manchego cheese, and peppery rocket.
Can I use a different bread besides baguette?
Any crusty artisanal bread sliced thin will work, but a baguette provides the perfect bite-sized diameter for appetizers.
Should the chutney be served hot or cold?
The chutney can be served warm or at room temperature; both options pair well with the toasted bread.
How do I prevent the crostini from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, toast the bread well and wait until just before serving to add the chutney and toppings.
Is there a substitute for red wine vinegar?
Balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as substitutes, though they will slightly alter the color and flavor profile.
What occasions are best for these crostini?
They are perfect for outdoor gatherings, holiday parties, or cozy nights in as a standout appetizer.