Grilled Summer Squash Tartines

Name: Grilled Summer Squash Tartines
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 large or 2 small summer squashes (12 ounces), sliced lengthwise into scant ¼-inch-thick planks; or 8 baby squashes, halved lengthwise; 4 thick slices Italian baguette or similar rustic bread; Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling; Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper; 4 ounces Taleggio or fontina, thinly sliced; 0.333 cup; 1 fresh chile, such as Fresno or red finger, thinly sliced (ribs and seeds removed for less heat, if desired); Cilantro leaves and tender sprigs, for serving

By

Greg Lofts

Updated on July 1, 2021

Grilled Summer Squash Tartines — Photo: David Malosh

Total Time:

20 mins

Yield:

4

In this tartine (aka: an open-faced sandwich), abundant summer squash takes center stage, with a zippy supporting cast of fresh red chiles and tangy mostarda. For the base, we like Taleggio or fontina cheese for the way they melt into nutty, fruity gooeyness, and grill-toasted country bread for a light foundation that won't bow under pressure.

Ingredients

1 large or 2 small summer squashes (12 ounces), sliced lengthwise into scant ¼-inch-thick planks; or 8 baby squashes, halved lengthwise
4 thick slices Italian baguette or similar rustic bread
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
4 ounces Taleggio or fontina, thinly sliced
⅓ cup
1 fresh chile, such as Fresno or red finger, thinly sliced (ribs and seeds removed for less heat, if desired)
Cilantro leaves and tender sprigs, for serving

Directions

Heat grill to medium-high for direct and indirect cooking. Lightly drizzle squashes and bread with oil; season squashes with salt and pepper. Grill squashes and bread over direct heat, flipping once, until bread is crisp and squashes are tender and charred in places, 2 to 3 minutes total for bread; 5 to 6 minutes total for squashes.
Transfer to a platter or cutting board. Top bread evenly with cheese; return to grill over indirect heat. Cook, covered, just until cheese melts, about 2 minutes.
Top cheese toasts with grilled squashes, mostarda, chile, and cilantro. Lightly drizzle with oil and serve immediately.

Cook's Notes

Mostarda is a sweet-and-savory Italian condiment consisting of mustard, syrup, and candied fruit (either a single type, such as apple or pear, or a combination). For a vegan version of this recipe, omit the cheese.