Etorki Basque Verrine

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Ingredients

At a glance
Cheeses
Etorki
Course
Appetizers
Canapés
Dips and Spreads
Hors d oeuvres
Snack
Specialty Cheeses
Occasions
Snacking & Sandwich 
With Friends
Casual Party
Impress your guests
Gourmet Nights
Serves
6
- 5 slices soft white bread, crusts removed
- 1/3-cup warm water
- 3 Tbsp. Fresh lemon juice
- 1-1/2 Tsp. Crushed garlic
- 1/2 Tsp. Salt
- 1/2 Tsp. Sweet smoked Spanish paprika
- 2/3-cup Spanish olive oil
- 1-1/2 cups drained pequillo peppers (half of them pureed, other half finely julienned)
- 2 cups pureed watercress (about 1 oz.)
- 1-1/2 cups finely chopped artichoke hearts (about 6 oz.)
- 1-1/2 cups coarsely shredded Etorki Cheese, (about 4-1/2 oz.)
- Sliced scallions or Serrano ham (or Prosciutto) to garnish, optional (about 4-1/2 oz.)
- Sliced scallions or Serrano ham (or Prosciutto) to garnish, optional

Methods/steps

1. To make aioli: in food processor, place bread and pulse to create fine crumbs. Measure 2-1/2 cups and return to processor (discard any excess). Drizzle with water and lemon juice; pulse once, then let stand 2 minutes. Add garlic, salt, and smoked paprika. Slowly drizzle in oil while processing, until smooth and thickened, stopping once to scrape down sides. Remove to small bowl.

2. Using a processor, combine the pequillo peppers and 6 Tbsp. of aioli and puree.

3. In each of six (4-ounce) straight-sided glasses, place about 2 Tbsp. of the pureed watercress. On the second layer, add the aioli mixture; top with 1 rounded tbs. of the pureed piquillo pepper and aioli, add another layer of cheese and spread level. Layer minced artichokes, about 2 Tbsp. aioli, a thin layer of the julienned piquillo pepper and top with 2 tbsp. of shredded or shaved cheese. Chopped layers should not be next to each other. Garnish, if desired, with scallions or ham. Serve immediately or chill for up to 1 hour.

TIP: Aioli can be made ahead and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature and stir thoroughly before using.
TIP: Use frozen artichokes, cooked and chilled, or simply buy unmarinated ones from the salad bar. If you can’t find Spanish pequillo peppers, you can substitute roasted red peppers.
TIP: To make a crispy Serrano ham garnish, cut about 1 ounce into julienne and sauté in small skillet until lightly crisped. Drain on paper towels.
TIP: Also garnish with watercress sprigs and diced pequillo pepper if desired with left over ingredients.
TIP: If you don’t have any straight-sided small tumblers, use a sherbet glass.
TIP: Finely chop the vegetables and layer the ingredients in a small shallow dish. Serve with crackers or French bread as an appetizer
TIP: Best paired with a Navarro or Merlot.

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