A Next Level Menu with Layered Textures
A plant-based menu presents the perfect opportunity to get creative with ingredients. Layers of texture can add complexity to a dish and engage your customers’ palates. Nuts are a common and versatile addition for this purpose. However, don’t hesitate in using your kitchen equipment to transform the innate texture of an ingredient. More than ever, chefs are turning to quality blenders and food processors to incorporate produce in unique forms.
A timbale is a great form for a literal layering of texture and flavor. Timbales are thimble shaped molds and the term likewise refers to the meals prepared in them. In the recipe below, we craft a modern spin on presentation by using the more common ring mold. House-made hummus creates a luscious, nutritious, and trendy base for presentation. Grains, such as wild rice, are easy to transform into crisp, healthy garnishes for contrasting texture. Try it with this season appropriate roasted beet timbale.
- 8oz chevreat room temperature
- 1tsp chopped fresh chives
- 1tsp fresh thyme leaves
- ½tsp lemon zest
- ½tsp sea salt
- ½tsp cracked black pepper
- 3cloves garlic
- 1 large ripe avocadopitted and peeled
- ⅔cup cooked cannellini beans
- 2tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1½tsp chopped fresh chives
- 1tsp chopped fresh tarragon
- 1tsp kosher salt
- ¼cup olive oil
- ½cup cooked quinoacooled
- ½cup cooked wild ricecooled
- ¾cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½tsp sea salt
- ½tsp cracked black pepper
- 2 large golden beetsroasted, peeled and sliced ¼-inch thick
- 2 large red beetsroasted, peeled and sliced ¼-inch thick
- ½cup chopped, roasted hazelnuts
- 4tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- chopped fresh chives and/or tarragon
- cracked black pepper
- Stir together all ingredients in a bowl.
- Pulse garlic in food processor; add remaining ingredients, except oil, and process until smooth, scraping down sides as necessary. With food processor running, add oil in a steady stream and process until incorporated. Refrigerate in airtight container. Makes about 2 cups.
- Stir all ingredients in a bowl; scoop into 24 portions (about ¾ tablespoon each) 2-inches apart onto parchment-lined sheet tray. Cover with plastic wrap and press or roll out to ⅛-inch thick.
- Remove plastic wrap and bake at 450˚F until golden brown and crisp, about 7 minutes. Store separated with parchment in airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days.
- Spread ½ cup Avocado-White Bean Hummus in a large circle on serving plate. Alternately layer beets, Herbed Chèvre and hazelnuts in 3-inch diameter ring mold on cutting board; use spatula to transfer to serving plate and unmold over hummus. Drizzle with oil; garnish with Wild Rice-Parmesan Crisps, chives and/or tarragon and pepper.
Ingredient Order Numbers
Chèvre #010795
Fresh Chives #097265
Fresh Thyme Leaves #097302
Lemon Zest #096189
Sea Salt #036458
Cracked Black Pepper #036409
Garlic Cloves #097207
Avocado #029239
Cannellini Beans #002133
Fresh Lemon Juice #028246
Fresh Tarragon #097297
Kosher Salt #340657
Olive Oil #038387
Quinoa #007337
Wild Rice #009116
Parmesan Cheese #031531
Golden Beets #097028
Red Beets #097053
Hazelnuts #035124