Stuffed Radishes

Stuffed radishes can be an original and colorful appetizer, perfect for an aperitif or a buffet. In Italy, it’s not a traditional dish, but we can add an Italian touch with a filling made of ricotta or fresh goat cheese and aromatic herbs. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

  • 10-12 medium to large radishes
  • 100 g of ricotta or fresh goat cheese
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • A pinch of sweet or smoked paprika (optional)
  • A few leaves of basil or mint for garnish (optional)

Preparation

  1. Wash the radishes and cut the top off to create a hat that you will later use as decoration. Also cut a very small part off the base, so that the radish can stand upright without rolling.

  2. With the help of a small knife or a melon baller, gently hollow out the radishes, being careful not to break them. Scoop out until you’ve created a small cavity.

  3. In a bowl, mix the goat cheese or ricotta with the chopped chives, a pinch of salt, and pepper. If you want to add a spicy touch, you can also include the paprika.

  4. With a teaspoon or a piping bag, fill the radishes with the prepared stuffing.

  5. Reposition the “hat” of each radish on top of the filling and arrange the radishes on a serving plate.

  6. If you wish, decorate with a few basil or mint leaves and serve your stuffed radishes as a fresh and appetizing starter.

Trivia

Radishes have a long history and have been cultivated for centuries not only for their spicy flavor and crispness, but also for their beneficial properties. Moreover, the radish was already known by the Romans who greatly appreciated it and used it in different culinary preparations. In the case of this appetizer, we’ve added an Italian touch with ricotta and aromatic herbs, making the dish light but tasty, suitable for starting a meal or as a snack.