Grandpa Joe's
Goat Cheese with Spinach and Tomato Salsa

Spicy and delicious.

About this recipe

Goat cheese, fresh tomatoes, fresh spinach, fresh herbs, almonds, and fresh extra virgin olive oil!  What could possibly go wrong?

Ingredients

  • 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped
  • ¼ cup shallots, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound soft goat cheese
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup slivered almonds
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach, washed, dried, and lightly chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Directions

  1. Combine the tomatoes, shallots, parsley, oregano, red wine, and two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a small bowl.  Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Pulse the panko breadcrumbs and almonds together in a food processor until finely ground.
  3. Slice the cheese into eight ½-inch thick slices.  Dip each slice into the beaten egg and then coat in the almond mixture.
  4. Using a nonstick skillet over medium heat, brown the coated cheese in extra virgin olive oil for 30 to 45 seconds on each side.  Drain the cheese on paper towels.
  5. In the same skillet, sauté the spinach in olive oil.  Season with salt and the red pepper flakes.
  6. Serve the crusted cheese medallions over the spinach and top with the tomato salsa.
Goat Cheese with Spinach and Tomato Salsa.

Notes

  • Be sure the olive oil is fully heated before adding the cheese.  Only a slight browning is necessary.
Posted: October 2014; picture added: August 2015.