Crostino

Crostino is a traditional Italian dish, typically served as an appetizer or snack. The name 'Crostino' originates from the Italian word 'crosta', which means crust.

History

The history of the Crostino dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was common for Italian peasants to save bread that had gone stale by toasting it and topping it with whatever ingredients were available. This practice evolved over time into the modern Crostino, which is often served as an appetizer in Italian cuisine.

Preparation

The preparation of a Crostino involves toasting or grilling slices of bread, which are then rubbed with garlic and topped with various ingredients. The bread used is typically a rustic Italian bread, such as Ciabatta or Baguette. The toppings can vary widely, but common choices include tomatoes, mozzarella, prosciutto, and basil.

Variations

There are many variations of the Crostino, depending on the region of Italy and the ingredients available. For example, in Tuscany, a popular variation is the Crostini Toscani, which is topped with chicken liver pate. Another common variation is the Bruschetta, which is similar to a Crostino but is typically larger and topped with fresh tomatoes and basil.

Serving

Crostini are typically served as an appetizer or snack, often accompanied by a glass of Italian wine. They are a common feature on the menus of Italian restaurants and are also popular for home cooking due to their simplicity and versatility.

See also

• Italian cuisine
• Appetizer
• Bruschetta
• Crostini Toscani