Uni toast, combining the creamy richness of sea urchin with the crisp texture of toasted bread, is a sophisticated dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. This recipe brings a touch of elegance to any meal and is perfect as a starter or a luxurious snack. Here’s how you can create this delightful dish in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of good quality, artisan bread (sourdough, ciabatta, or baguette work well)
- 100 grams of fresh uni (sea urchin roe)
- Butter for spreading
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnishes: chives, lemon zest, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bread:
- Toast the bread slices to your preferred level of crispiness. For a richer flavor, you can lightly butter each slice before toasting. This adds a nice depth of flavor and ensures the bread holds up under the uni.
- Prepare the Uni:
- Carefully inspect the uni. It should be bright, intact, and smell fresh and briny, not fishy. Gently rinse the uni under cold water if needed, and pat dry with paper towels.
- Assemble the Toast:
- Spread a thin layer of butter on each slice of toasted bread if not already buttered. This step is optional but recommended as it complements the uni’s creamy texture.
- Arrange the uni carefully on the toast. Depending on the size of your bread and the uni, you might want to place 3-5 pieces per slice.
- Season and Garnish:
- Sprinkle a little sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper over the uni to enhance its natural flavors.
- Add any additional garnishes you prefer. A bit of lemon zest can add a fresh, citrusy note that cuts through the richness of the uni, while chives or parsley can offer a slight oniony or fresh flavor that complements the sea urchin.
- If you like a richer flavor, a drizzle of good quality olive oil just before serving can elevate the dish further.
- Serve Immediately:
- Uni toast is best enjoyed immediately after preparation, while the toast is still crisp and the uni is fresh. Serve it as an appetizer or a luxurious snack with a glass of crisp white wine or a dry sparkling wine, which pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy uni.
This simple yet decadent dish is a wonderful way to enjoy the unique flavors of sea urchin. Uni toast not only offers a taste of luxury but also brings a bit of culinary artistry to your table, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special.