Assorted Small Dishes with a Lucanian Twist

Ingredients

While the original Japanese Assorted Small Dishes focus on fresh seafood and light flavors, this Lucanian adaptation incorporates ingredients commonly found in Basilicatan cuisine. The use of local herbs, spices, and vegetables such as chili peppers, fennel, and eggplant adds a distinct Lucanian touch to the dish. Additionally, the cooking techniques and presentation style have been modified to align with the traditions of Basilicatan cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Assorted Small Dishes or Ritual, so you can check it out.

• 200g (7 oz) fresh mozzarella cheese 200g (7 oz) fresh mozzarella cheese
• 2 medium-sized eggplants, sliced 2 medium-sized eggplants, sliced
• 200g (7 oz) cherry tomatoes 200g (7 oz) cherry tomatoes
• 150g (5.3 oz) spicy salami, sliced 150g (5.3 oz) spicy salami, sliced
• 1 bunch of fresh basil leaves 1 bunch of fresh basil leaves
• 4 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 24g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 5g
• Protein: 16g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the sliced eggplants, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat the vegetables.
3. 3.
   Grill the marinated eggplants and cherry tomatoes for 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly charred.
4. 4.
   Meanwhile, thread the fresh mozzarella cheese and spicy salami slices onto skewers.
5. 5.
   Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted and the salami is crispy.
6. 6.
   Arrange the grilled eggplants, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella skewers, and fresh basil leaves on a platter.
7. 7.
   Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
8. 8.
   Serve the Lucanian Assorted Small Dishes as an appetizer or a light meal.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Eggplants — To reduce bitterness, sprinkle salt on the sliced eggplants and let them sit for 15 minutes before grilling.
• Mozzarella cheese — Use fresh mozzarella for a creamy and melty texture.
• Spicy salami — Adjust the amount of salami according to your preferred level of spiciness.
• Cherry tomatoes — Choose ripe and firm cherry tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Basil leaves — Tear the basil leaves just before serving to preserve their freshness.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, replace the spicy salami with grilled mushrooms or marinated tofu.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the grilled vegetables for a refreshing twist.
• Serve the Assorted Small Dishes with crusty bread or toasted ciabatta slices.
• Experiment with different herbs such as oregano or thyme to enhance the flavors.
• Drizzle the platter with a balsamic reduction for an extra touch of sweetness.

Serving advice

Serve the Lucanian Assorted Small Dishes as an appetizer or as part of a Mediterranean-style meal. Accompany it with a fresh salad and a glass of red wine for a complete dining experience.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled vegetables, mozzarella skewers, and basil leaves on a rustic wooden platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of chili flakes and a drizzle of olive oil for an inviting and vibrant presentation.