Pumpkin, Ricotta, and Speck Bites

Pumpkin, ricotta, and speck bites are a tasty and delightful dish that can be served as an appetizer or a light entrée. Here’s how to prepare them.

Ingredients

• 400 g of cleaned pumpkin
• 200 g of fresh ricotta
• 100 g of speck in slices
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh rosemary (optional)
• Nutmeg (optional)

Preparation

1. Cut the pumpkin into cubes of about 1-2 cm per side and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Season the cubes with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and chopped rosemary (if liked). If you wish, you can also sprinkle a bit of nutmeg.

2. Cook in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 20-25 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender and slightly golden. Once ready, let it cool down.

3. Meanwhile, cut the speck into strips or cubes and let it brown in a pan without adding fats until it becomes crispy. Set it aside on paper towels to remove the excess grease.

4. In a bowl, mix the ricotta with a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust the flavor to your taste.

5. To assemble the bites, take a cube of pumpkin, spread some ricotta on top, and crown with crispy speck.

6. Arrange the bites on a serving dish and serve.

If you like to experiment with an Italian twist even on dishes of foreign inspiration, you might consider adding a pinch of grated Parmesan to the ricotta for an extra touch of flavor, or using smoked pancetta as an alternative to speck.

Curiosity

Pumpkin is very versatile in the kitchen and is used in Italy to prepare various dishes, from velvety soups to risottos, and sweet preparations such as the famous Mantovani pumpkin tortelli. Ricotta, with its delicate flavor, pairs well with the sweetness of the pumpkin, and the smoky flavor of the speck creates a pleasant contrast.