Summer Squash Tartines with Rosemary and Lemon

It’s amazing what you can do with just one squash and less than five minutes, says cookbook author Deborah Madison. Choose the best, creamiest ricotta for these bites, which are the perfect solution for summer’s bounty of squash. Marjoram, dill and basil are other good herb choices.

 

Summer Squash Tartines with Rosemary and Lemon

 

1 tsp. olive oil

1 or 2 summer squash, about 8 oz. total, very thinly sliced

Scant 1 tsp. minced fresh rosemary

Grated zest of 1 lemon

Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

4 long pieces of baguette, sliced diagonally

Olive oil and garlic for the bread

1/2 cup ricotta cheese

 

In a nonstick fry pan over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the squash, sauté for 1 minute or so to warm, then add a splash of water and cover. Cook over medium-high heat until the squash is soft, about 3 minutes. Remove the lid, add the rosemary and lemon zest, toss it with the squash, and then season with salt and pepper.

 

Lightly brush the cut surface of the baguette pieces with olive oil, then toast until golden and crisp. While the bread is hot, rub the cut surfaces with the garlic. Spread the baguette pieces with the ricotta, then overlap the squash on top. Season with a bit more pepper and serve. Serves 4.

 

Recipe adapted from Vegetable Literacy, by Deborah Madison.