Best Crostini Alla Fiorentina Recipes

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BISTECCA ALL FIORENTINA



Bistecca all Fiorentina image

The classic Bistecca all Fiornentina is a large porterhouse steak that usually weighs about 1 kilo (2.2 pounds). In Tuscan restaurants the steak is offered by the "etto" or in 100 gram (4-ounce) increments. This great steak includes the strip loin and the fillet. When shopping for this dish, use the best meat, gray sea salt, course grind black pepper and the best balsamic vinegar that you can afford. The marriage of flavors from all of these ingredients will reveal a noble meal of authentic Italian cookery. As is true for all steak, to ensure a juicy, flavorful steak that cooks quickly, have the meat at room temperature before starting. Use a grill or thick cast iron pan and make sure that they are very hot. Always let the meat rest, at least 5 minutes, before carving and a sharp knife will glide right through.

Provided by Michael Chiarello : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h22m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 (2-pound) Porterhouse steaks, about 2 inches thick
Grey sea salt
Coarse grind black pepper
Pure olive oil
Great balsamic vinegar

Steps:

  • Let the steak rest outside the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cooking. Use a hot, clean, oiled grill. If pan roasting, preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
  • Liberally season the steak with the salt and pepper, coat with olive oil and press the seasoning into the meat. Grill the steaks for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side for medium rare. The fillet will cook a little faster than the strip loin. Move the steaks every 2 minutes or so for even cooking and a crispy exterior.
  • For pan roasting, heat a cast iron skillet with a little olive oil until smoking hot. Turn on the fan, open the window and stand back to avoid getting splattered! Using tongs, place the steaks in the center of the pan. Cook until the first side is seared brown, about 4 minutes. Turn the steaks and place the pan in the oven until the steaks are done, about 6 minutes for medium rare. Remove the steaks to a carving board and let rest for at least 5 minutes before carving.
  • Cut the steaks away from the bone and carve into 1/2-inch slices. Arrange the meat on warmed plates and drizzle a little bit of balsamic vinegar over the slices. Serve with some extra gray sea salt on the side.

CROSTINI ALLA NORMA



Crostini alla Norma image

The classic Sicilian pasta sauce of eggplant and tomato makes a hearty topping for summery crostini. Traditionally, the alla norma method involves frying eggplant, but this recipe calls for roasting it, which saves time and requires much less oil. The eggplant and tomato mixture can be made up to two days in advance, which makes this a great dish for entertaining, since it benefits from some extra time for flavors to develop. For an even quicker appetizer, serve in a bowl with toasted baguette slices on the side.

Provided by Lidey Heuck

Categories     brunch, dinner, lunch, dips and spreads, vegetables, appetizer, side dish

Time 50m

Yield About 3 cups (about 36 crostini)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 large baguette (about 18 inches), cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
5 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing
1 1/2 pounds eggplant (about 1 large), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
1 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
1 1/2 pounds medium tomatoes (about 4), cored, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 1/4 cups thinly sliced fresh basil
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
3/4 cup shaved or grated ricotta salata cheese (about 2 ounces), for serving

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Arrange the baguette slices on a sheet pan, brush the tops with olive oil, then bake until lightly toasted, 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a board or platter and set aside.
  • Add the eggplant, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper to the sheet pan. Toss well and roast, tossing occasionally, until very tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
  • When the eggplant is done, in a large (12-inch) skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-low. Add the onion and cook, tossing occasionally, until the onions are translucent, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic, oregano, red-pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and cook just until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add the cooked eggplant, tomatoes, 1/4 cup basil and the red wine vinegar, and continue to cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have completely fallen apart and the mixture has thickened, about 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Spoon the mixture onto the baguette slices, top with the remaining basil and the ricotta salata, and serve warm or at room temperature.

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