Sweet and Sour Vegetable Toast with Spicy Provolone

Here’s a tasty recipe for preparing toast with sweet and sour vegetables and spicy provolone, which combines the crunchiness of toasted bread with the sweetness of sweet and sour vegetables and the bold touch of spicy provolone.

Ingredients

• 4 slices of homemade bread
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 1 small red onion
• 1 zucchini
• 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil
• 4 slices of spicy provolone
• Fresh basil (optional)

Preparation

1. Start by slicing the peppers into strips and the zucchini into thin rounds. Thinly slice the onion.
2. Heat a drizzle of oil in a wide pan and add the vegetables. Let them sauté for about 5 minutes over medium-high heat until they begin to slightly caramelize.
3. Lower the heat, add the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar, and cook until the vegetables are well caramelized and the vinegar has reduced, creating a sweet and sour sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. In the meantime, toast the bread slices until they are golden and crispy.
5. Place the hot sweet and sour vegetables on the toast, cover with a slice of spicy provolone and melt the cheese under the grill of the oven or using a hot plate.
6. Finish the toast with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and, if desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Tip: If you prefer a more intense herbaceous note, you could add aromatic herbs such as thyme or oregano during the cooking of the vegetables.

Fun Fact

Sweet and sour is a culinary technique typical of Italian cuisine that skillfully balances acidity and sweetness, often used in the preparation of pickles and condiments to accompany meats and vegetables. The contrast with the spicy provolone makes this dish a perfect meeting of different flavors and textures.