This Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug elevates your typical toast into an Italian-inspired delight. The combination of whipped honey ricotta, spicy-sweet zhug, thinly sliced coppa, sun-dried tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts on golden, garlic-infused focaccia will transform any lunch or snack into an unforgettable experience. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a delicious way to enjoy layers of flavor and texture!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Zhug:

• ½ cup packed parsley leaves

• ½ cup packed basil leaves

• 2 tablespoons fresh mint

• 1 garlic clove

• 1 jalapeno (seeds and stem removed, chopped)

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon coriander

• ¼ teaspoon cardamom

• Juice of ½ lemon

• ½ cup olive oil

• Salt and pepper

For the Honey Ricotta:

• 1 cup whole milk ricotta

• 2 tablespoons honey

For the Toast:

• 4 slices focaccia bread

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 garlic clove (for rubbing)

• 6 ounces thinly sliced coppa

• ½ cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes

• ¼ cup toasted pine nuts

• Maldon salt and freshly cracked pepper (for finishing)

Directions

1. Make the Zhug: In a blender, combine the parsley, basil, mint, garlic, jalapeno, cumin, coriander, cardamom, lemon juice, and olive oil. Puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. If you have time, let the zhug sit for a few hours to let the flavors meld together.

2. Prepare the Honey Ricotta: In a bowl, whisk together the ricotta and honey until smooth and well combined.

3. Toast the Focaccia: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the focaccia bread vertically into 4 slices. Brush the open cut side with olive oil and toast in the oven for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown. Once out of the oven, rub the toasted side with the garlic clove for an extra flavor boost.

4. Assemble the Toast: Spread a layer of honey ricotta on each slice of toasted focaccia. Top with thinly sliced coppa, a drizzle of zhug, sun-dried tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts.

5. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle Maldon salt and freshly cracked black pepper on top. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of fresh, herby, and savory flavors.

Estimated Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~450-500 kcal

• Protein: ~16-18 grams

• Fat: ~30-35 grams

  • Saturated Fat: ~7-9 grams

• Carbohydrates: ~30-35 grams

  • Dietary Fiber: ~3 grams

  • Sugars: ~8-10 grams

• Cholesterol: ~40-50 mg

• Sodium: ~600-700 mg

• Calcium: ~150-200 mg (from ricotta and pine nuts)

• Iron: ~2-3 mg

This estimate includes:

• Focaccia Bread: About 200-250 kcal per slice, mostly from carbohydrates and fats.

• Coppa: Adds protein and fat.

• Ricotta and Honey: Adds protein and some sugar from honey.

• Zhug (Herbs & Spices): Negligible calories but adds a lot of flavor.

• Pine Nuts: Adds healthy fats, protein, and some additional calories.

The exact values will vary depending on the brands and portions used, but this should give you a general idea. To get a more precise breakdown, you could use a nutrition calculator with the exact ingredients you use.

What Makes This Toast Special?

At first glance, toast might seem like a basic food item, but with the right ingredients and preparation, it becomes a canvas for extraordinary flavors. The Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug takes this humble dish to new heights by incorporating a variety of bold and fresh ingredients. The zhug, a Middle Eastern herb and spice sauce, adds a spicy kick and aromatic freshness that complements the richness of the other ingredients. Whipped honey ricotta brings a creamy sweetness that balances the heat from the zhug and the savory taste of coppa. The thinly sliced coppa, an Italian cured meat, introduces a depth of flavor with its saltiness and texture, while the sun-dried tomatoes offer a tangy contrast that ties all the elements together. To top it off, toasted pine nuts lend a satisfying crunch, completing the dish with a final touch of elegance.

The Flavor Balance: Sweet, Spicy, Savory, and Crunchy

One of the main attractions of this toast is the harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, savory, and crunchy flavors. The whipped honey ricotta serves as a creamy, slightly sweet base that contrasts beautifully with the heat of the zhug. This herbaceous sauce, made from parsley, basil, mint, jalapeno, and a range of spices, delivers both freshness and a touch of spice that tingles the taste buds. The combination of cumin, coriander, and cardamom in the zhug adds a warm, earthy depth, while the fresh lemon juice cuts through the richness of the other ingredients, bringing a zesty balance.

The coppa adds a savory, almost umami-rich element to the dish, and its thinly sliced texture ensures that it complements rather than overwhelms the other ingredients. Sun-dried tomatoes contribute a tangy bite, which provides a welcome contrast to the creaminess of the ricotta and the richness of the coppa. The toasted pine nuts bring in a delicate crunch and a slightly nutty flavor that enhances the overall texture of the dish. The final sprinkling of Maldon salt and freshly cracked pepper ensures that the flavors are perfectly balanced, making each bite a delightful experience.

The Role of Focaccia in This Dish

Focaccia bread is a key player in this dish. With its airy, soft interior and slightly crispy, golden crust, focaccia makes the perfect base for this toast. Infused with garlic and brushed with olive oil, the bread absorbs all the flavors of the toppings while maintaining its structural integrity. Focaccia, with its herby, salty flavor, acts as the ideal vehicle to carry all the other elements without overpowering them. When toasted, it becomes slightly crisp, offering a satisfying bite that contrasts with the smooth ricotta and tender slices of coppa.

The versatility of focaccia also allows it to be paired with a wide variety of toppings, which is why it complements the bold ingredients in this recipe so well. Its mild flavor provides a neutral foundation, letting the zhug, ricotta, and coppa shine while still contributing its own unique character to the dish.

The Versatility of Zhug: A Spicy and Herby Sauce

Zhug is a key component of this dish, bringing an exciting layer of flavor that is both spicy and aromatic. This vibrant sauce is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly in Yemen, and it offers a perfect balance of fresh herbs and bold spices. Made from parsley, basil, mint, garlic, jalapeno, and a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and cardamom, zhug provides a kick of heat as well as complex, earthy flavors. The addition of fresh lemon juice ties everything together with a tangy brightness.

Zhug not only enhances the flavors of the other ingredients but also adds a fresh, herbaceous element that complements the richness of the ricotta and the savory notes of the coppa. It’s a simple sauce that can be made in minutes but packs a punch, adding both depth and excitement to the dish.

The Health Benefits of the Ingredients

While this dish is undoubtedly indulgent, it also includes a number of ingredients that provide health benefits. The herbs and spices used in the zhug—such as cumin, coriander, and cardamom—are not only flavorful but are also packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The fresh parsley, basil, and mint offer a boost of vitamins and minerals, and the olive oil in the sauce adds healthy fats that are beneficial for heart health.

The ricotta cheese, made from whole milk, provides protein and calcium, which are essential for bone health. The addition of honey brings a touch of natural sweetness, which is a more wholesome alternative to refined sugars. The sun-dried tomatoes, rich in vitamins and antioxidants, add both flavor and nutritional value, while the pine nuts contribute healthy fats and protein.

Focaccia, while being a source of carbohydrates, can also be a healthier choice compared to other types of bread when made with olive oil and fresh herbs. When enjoyed in moderation, this dish offers a good balance of macronutrients that will keep you feeling satisfied without overindulging.

Quick and Easy to Prepare

Another attractive feature of the Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug is its simplicity and speed of preparation. With just a few basic steps and only 30 minutes required, it’s a perfect dish for busy days when you want to enjoy a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The zhug and honey ricotta come together in just minutes, and the focaccia toasts up quickly in the oven, making this dish a breeze to prepare even on a time crunch. The fact that it can be made quickly without sacrificing flavor or quality is one of the reasons why this toast has become a popular choice for lunch, snacks, or light dinners.

Customization Options for Your Toast

Like many recipes, this dish offers plenty of room for customization. While the original recipe calls for coppa, you could easily substitute it with prosciutto, salami, or any other cured meat of your choice. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you could replace the coppa with grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers, or even a hearty spread like hummus or baba ganoush. The zhug can also be adjusted to suit your spice tolerance, with the option to add more or less jalapeno depending on how spicy you like your food.

Additionally, you could experiment with different cheeses, such as ricotta salata or burrata, to give the dish a different twist. The sun-dried tomatoes can be swapped for fresh tomatoes or even roasted red peppers, depending on what you have on hand. With its adaptable nature, this recipe allows for endless variations to suit your personal taste.

Conclusion

The Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug is an excellent choice for anyone looking to elevate their toast game and enjoy a burst of Mediterranean flavors. With the rich creaminess of honey ricotta, the spicy freshness of zhug, the savory depth of coppa, and the satisfying crunch of toasted pine nuts, this dish is a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether served as a lunch, snack, or light dinner, it’s a quick and easy way to create a gourmet experience in just 30 minutes. With its versatility and customizable nature, this toast is sure to become a new favorite for those who love bold flavors and simple, satisfying meals.