Endive Appetizers With Ricotta and Gems

5 from 8 votes

These endive appetizers are super light and easy to make. They are filled with creamy ricotta and topped with beautiful contrasting colors, textures and flavors of nuts, veggies, currants and honey.

Total Time10

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Servings (change as needed): appetizers

Author: Cheryl Avrich

Ingredients

2 endives
3/4 cup smooth ricotta cheese, approximately

Topping mixture, Note 1 & 2

1/4 cup dried currants (or dried cranberries or raisins)
1/4 cup finely chopped roasted almonds
1 1/2 tablespoon minced red pepper
1 tablespoon minced fresh chives or green onion
1 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon honey (or to taste) - or drizzle of balsamic reduction
pinch kosher salt and black pepper
Optional: 1/4 tsp sriracha for heat

Instructions

PREPARE ENDIVES: Cut off ends and separate the leaves. Arrange 8-10 of the larger ones on a platter. Spread a dollop of ricotta on the bottom third of each endive leaf (just less than a tablespoon or as you like).
MAKE TOPPING MIXTURE: In a small bowl, combine all ingredients for topping mixture. Taste and adjust seasonings.
FINISH APPS: Place about 1/2-3/4 tablespoon of mixture on top of ricotta on each endive leaf. If desired, drizzle balsamic reduction all over just before serving or sprinkle with additional chives or chopped parsley.

Notes

Variations/Substitutes:
- Drizzle on a balsamic reduction
- Use any roasted nuts or seeds e.g. pepitas, pine nuts, crushed hazelnuts, etc.
- Instead of currants, use golden raisins or dried cranberries
- Use green onions instead of chives or finely diced red onion.
- Try adding some heat with sriracha or red pepper flakes
- Sprinkle with orange zest
- If you can't find endives, you can use lettuce cups, toasted bread or crackers.
Alternative topping combinations:
- Finely diced citrus fruits and goat cheese, drizzled with vinaigrette or honey. Toss in fresh mint if you like or pomegranate seeds.
- Goat cheese or ricotta topped with olive Tepanade and sprinkled with chives
- Finely diced tomatoes and olives, sprinkled with lemon zest
- Diced roasted peppers, sprinkled with chives and Parmesan
- Roasted corn and peppers with a drizzle of lime, salt and honey
- Chopped shrimp salad with dill

3. Make Ahead: Appetizers will keep for several hours in the fridge. Or make the mixture ahead, prepare the endive leaves and assemble just before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition values are estimates.