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Three Mediterranean canapés

⏱ 30 min👤 3 pp★★☆☆☆

Sometimes it's really nice to discover some quick and tasty recipes to prepare when hunger strikes, but you really don’t want to work in the kitchen - maybe because the summers seem more and more tropical. So today’s recipe is for three "Mediterranean canapés", as we called them. We concocted three different flavour combinations, funny and charming, that you can show off either before a lovely dinner in the garden, or during a trip to somewhere special or, finally, as part of a picnic in the park. But don’t fail to follow your imagination when it comes to toppings: we will give you some ideas, but it is very important that you follow your own tastes and desires, using the ingredients you have available in your fridge. But now let’s see how our chef has prepared our Mediterranean canapés...

Ingredients

Nutritional values 180 kcal / serving
Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
8g
Fat
12g
Fiber
1g

* approximate values per serving

Information
30 minutes Preparation time
Serves 3 persons
★★☆☆☆ Medium difficulty

Preparation

Make the three sauces. Tomatoes: cut the cherry tomatoes into quarters, chop the olives and combine in a small bowl, then dress with oil, salt and sugar and basil torn with your fingers. Serve with a slice of smoked ricotta. Courgette and prawn: cut the courgette into big dice, cut the spring onion into slices and gently fry in a saucepan with oil and water. Blitz everything together with an electric hand blender adding the previously peeled prawns and the herbs. Cook for another 3 minutes. Cheese and herbs: chop all the herbs finely with the spring onion and mix well together with the cream cheese. Serve your trio of Mediterranean canapés on toasted bread.

Tips
The canapés can be made with a slice of toasted bread, or perhaps focaccia or even a fried polenta slice ... choose your favourite base!
Trivia
If you want to keep your Mediterranean canapés, you should put them in the fridge on a plate covered with cling film, but remember to eat them within a day.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Trio of Mediterranean Canapés with Smoked Ricotta

One of the most delightful variations of the Trio of Mediterranean Canapés is certainly the one that includes smoked ricotta. This ingredient imparts an intense and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with sauces made from tomatoes and olives, creating a delicious contrast. To prepare this version, simply place the smoked ricotta on a base of toasted bread and garnish with cherry tomato and basil sauce. The addition of a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil further enhances everything, making each bite an explosion of Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for an aperitif or an appetizer, these canapés are ideal for surprising guests with a touch of originality.

Trio of Mediterranean Canapés Sicilian Style

If you want to bring the authentic taste of Sicily to the table, you can opt for a variation of the Trio of Mediterranean Canapés Sicilian Style. In this preparation, the fresh and genuine ingredients of Sicilian tradition take center stage. Use Taggiasca olives, fresh spring onions, and aromatic herbs like oregano and thyme to flavor your sauces. The combination of typical island flavors, such as zucchini and shrimp, ensures a final result that recalls the warm Sicilian summers. Don't forget to serve the canapés with a good local white wine for a perfect pairing, making your aperitif a true journey through Mediterranean flavors.

Trio of Mediterranean Canapés Light without Cheese

For those who are mindful of their diet, the Trio of Mediterranean Canapés can be prepared in a light version, eliminating the spreadable cheese and replacing it with an avocado cream or hummus. This alternative maintains the creaminess and flavor of the canapé while reducing calories. By using fresh ingredients like zucchini and shrimp, you can create light and tasty sauces, perfect for a summer aperitif. Additionally, this version is also ideal for those following a vegan diet; just replace the shrimp with legumes. Served with fresh vegetables, these canapés will be a hit for everyone, without sacrificing flavor.

Nutritional Benefits of the Trio of Mediterranean Canapés and Calories

Mediterranean canapés are a concentrate of flavors and nutritional benefits. The main ingredients, such as zucchini and shrimp, are rich in vitamins and minerals. Zucchini, for example, are excellent for hydration due to their high water content and provide useful fiber for digestion. Shrimp, on the other hand, are an excellent source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health. On average, a canapé of this type contains about 50-70 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Thanks to the freshness of the raw materials and their lightness, these snacks are perfect for a healthy and tasty aperitif.

Can the Trio of Mediterranean Canapés be Prepared in Advance?

A common question concerns the possibility of preparing the Trio of Mediterranean Canapés in advance. The answer is yes, you can prepare them ahead of time, but there are some precautions to follow. It is advisable to prepare the sauces and store them in the refrigerator in airtight containers until serving time. However, it is best to assemble the canapés just before serving to keep the bread crispy and fresh. If you wish to prepare them well in advance, you can also toast the bread and store it in a plastic bag, then fill the canapés at the last moment. This way, you can enjoy your party without stress and offer your guests a delicious and fresh aperitif.