Gather all the ingredients on the countertop. If you are using a whole pomegranate: cut the fruit in half, hold one half over a bowl and tap the skin with a metal spoon to release the seeds. Remove any white membranes. If you have ready seeds, weigh out 80 g and set aside in a small bowl.
Description
A seasonal, quick snack that combines the earthy-sweet notes of roasted beetroot with the creamy acidity of goat cheese and the juiciness of pomegranate seeds. This dish comes from the Italian-French tradition of crostini and bruschetta — the simplicity of the ingredients and the stunning presentation make it perfect for winter gatherings, a pre-dinner snack, or an elegant party. The contrast of textures (crunchy baguette, soft cheese, juicy pomegranate, crunchy nuts) and the balance of flavors (sweet-sour, creamy, slightly salty) make this dish a delight for both the eyes and the palate. Serve immediately after preparation, garnished with fresh thyme and optional honey to cut the acidity.
Ingredients (12)
- Baguette 0.8 szt.
- Boiled (or roasted) beets 300 g
- Soft goat cheese 150 g
- Greek yogurt (thick) 50 g
- Olive oil 15 ml
- Balsamic vinegar 15 ml
- Pomegranate seeds 80 g
- Fresh thyme 5 g
- 🌿 Przyprawy
- Salt 0.1 szczypt
- Black pepper 2 szczypty
- ✨ Opcjonalne
- Walnuts 30 g
- Honey (optional) 20 g
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Preparation steps
Preparation of ingredients
Preparing the beets
If you have raw beets and want to speed things up: thoroughly wash 300 g of beets, trim the ends, and wrap each beet in a damp paper towel. Place in the microwave for 8-12 minutes (a medium-sized piece takes 3-4 minutes). After removing, carefully unwrap (it will be hot) and check with a fork — the beet is soft when the fork goes in smoothly. Alternatively, use pre-cooked beets or invest 30 minutes to roast at 200°C for 35-45 minutes wrapped in foil.
When the beets are soft, cool them for 5 minutes, then peel the skin off with your fingers or a knife (the skin should come off easily). Cut the beets into thin half-moons or slices about 3-4 mm thick. Weigh out 120 g of the sliced beets for the crostini, and you can use the rest for a salad.
In a heated pan (you can use the one from the nuts), sauté the beet slices for 1-2 minutes on each side over medium heat, drizzling with a bit of oil (about 5 g) and a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar (about 5 g) — this will give the beets a shine and slightly caramelize the edges. After removing from the pan, season to taste with salt and pepper.
Roasting nuts
In a small dry skillet, heat it over medium heat. Add 30 g of walnuts and toast for 2-3 minutes, shaking the skillet every few seconds, until they become fragrant and lightly browned. Once removed from the heat, quickly transfer to a cutting board and chop with a knife into coarse pieces.
Preparation of cheese spread
In a bowl, combine 150 g of soft goat cheese with 50 g of Greek yogurt. Add a pinch of salt (2 g) and 1 g of freshly ground pepper. Mix with a spoon or whisk until a smooth, creamy mixture forms — the consistency should be easy to spread, not runny. If the mixture is too thick, add a teaspoon of yogurt (about 5-10 g).
Baking/Sautéing the baguette
Slice the baguette into pieces about 1–1.5 cm thick (you should get about 10–12 slices from 200 g). Brush both sides with olive oil (15 g) using a brush or drizzle and rub a little oil with your hands. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place in an oven preheated to 200°C for 6-8 minutes, until golden and crispy. Alternatively, toast in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes on each side over medium heat.
Assembly and serving
Spread a layer of goat cheese paste (about 10–15 g per slice) on each toast. Top with 1–2 slices of sautéed beetroot. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds (about 6–8 g per slice) and finely chopped toasted walnuts (if using). Drizzle with a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar and optionally a thin thread of honey (about 2–3 g) for those who enjoy a sweet-sour contrast. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme.
Serving
Arrange the crostini on a large board or platter in a single layer so that everyone can reach them. Serve immediately, preferably at room temperature — the cheese will release its full aroma, and the toasts will remain crispy.
Fun Fact
Crostini (literally 'small bread') originate from Tuscany — they were used as a way to utilize stale bread, served with simple toppings. The use of beetroot and pomegranate is a modern, winter variation on classic Italian appetizers.
Best for
Tips
Serve the crostini immediately after assembling so that the baguette remains crispy. For effect, you can prepare a few variations: a vegan version (with cashew cream instead of goat cheese) or an extra portion of arugula for freshness. It's best to serve on a wooden board in a single layer.
Do not assemble crostini more than 30 minutes in advance — the baguette will lose its crispness. Store the cheese spread separately (in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days) and the toasted slices at room temperature (for up to 24 hours). Leftover beets can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat the toasts in the oven for 3-4 minutes at 180°C, and mix and season the cheese again before serving.
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