Panettone Crostini with Shrimp

Panettone is typically sweet, but in this unusual preparation, we challenge conventions to create an unexpected and delicious appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 panettone (preferably high quality)
• 200 g of cleaned shrimp
• 1 clove of garlic
• Extra virgin olive oil as needed
• Salt as needed
• Pepper as needed
• Chopped fresh parsley (to garnish)
• Grated lemon zest (optional, to garnish)

Preparation

1. Slice the panettone into slices and then cut out small geometric shapes (rectangles or circles), to make crostini.
2. In a non-stick pan, toast the panettone crostini on both sides until they become golden and crispy. Set them aside.
3. In the same pan, add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and the peeled garlic clove. Sauté the garlic until it becomes golden, then remove it from the pan.
4. Increase the heat, add the shrimp and sauté them quickly in the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste and cook until the shrimp are nicely pink and cooked through.
5. Arrange the panettone crostini on a serving plate and place the shrimp on top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and, if desired, some grated lemon zest for a fresh contrast.
6. Serve the crostini immediately to fully enjoy the contrast between the sweetness of the panettone and the bold flavor of the shrimp.

This dish represents a perfect example of how Italian cuisine is capable of reinventing and reinterpreting ingredients in surprising ways. Moreover, panettone crostini with shrimp can be an excellent appetizer for a New Year’s Eve feast, where panettone remains one of the stars of the table.