Savory Ricotta and Walnut ‘Sausage’ Toast

By Justine Doiron, Justine Snacks
Total Time
1 Hr
Serves
8
Serving Size
1/4 cup walnut meat
Meal
Brunch Dinner Lunch Snack
Course
Appetizers Main Side Snack

DESCRIPTION

This cheesy "sausage" toast is a mouthwatering combination of savory walnut meat and ricotta cheese topped with sage leaves.

Prep Time
15 Mins
Cook Time
45 Mins
Total Time
1 Hr
Calories
440 cal
Total Fat
23 g
Saturated Fat
4 g
Polyunsaturated Fat
12.7 g
Monounsaturated Fat
5.68 g
Cholesterol
10 mg
Sodium
700 mg
Carbohydrates
46 g
Dietary Fiber
4 g
Total Sugars
7 g
Protein
15 g
Vitamin D
0 mcg
Calcium
150 mg
Iron
4 mg
Potassium
280 mg

Ingredients

  • 2 cups California walnuts
  • 8 to 10 sage leaves
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • 2 cups water, divided
  •  8 medium-large slices rustic bread, toasted
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese, divided
  • Fried sage leaves (optional)

Preparation

  1. Place walnuts in a medium bowl and cover with boiling water; let stand for 15 minutes to soften. Drain and chop into pieces no bigger than a lentil. Finely chop the sage and stir into the walnuts.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, tomato paste and liquid smoke.
  3. Heat oil in a high-sided sauté pan over medium heat. Add fennel and caraway seeds and toast for 2 to 3 minutes or until the seeds are fragrant.
  4. Add walnuts and cook for 3 to 4 minutes more to toast.
  5. Add sauce to the walnuts, stirring to coat, then add a 1/2 cup of water. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally as the water cooks off. Repeat 3 times more, adding water and letting it cook off. This is softening the walnuts to a meat-like texture and should take about 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat when all excess liquid has cooked off.
  6. Spread each toasted bread slice with 2 tablespoons ricotta cheese and top with 1/4 cup walnut meat. Top with fried sage if desired.