Fava Bean Crostini
It's the summer, a time to entertain, eat, drink, swim, sunbathe, vacation, and be very happy. And let's face it, eating great food makes most people very happy!If you enjoy strolling through the farmers market like me, always looking for some interesting and delicious vegetables, then I am sure you have also come across this large bean called "Fava Bean." It looks like a green bean on steroids. If you have never seen one or had the pleasure of eating one, well you are in for a creamy surprise with this recipe!For those of you who have met me, you already know how much I love to entertain and bring people together. It's my passion! Ever since I can remember, my family always entertained, and I have grown to do the same. What better way than with great food and drinks. But serving a large crowd requires preparation and planning. I always ask my guests if they have any food allergies or dislikes. Nothing like a mad rush to the emergency room because I didn't ask about a food allergy. (Thank God that has never happened) And I have also come to learn that those friends who say they love everything actually do not. So ask, and it will be a success!Okay, so getting back to the fava bean, or known as "broad beans" by the British. This bean is so nutritious. It is an excellent source of protein, so if you are a vegetarian, you should incorporate more of these cuties into your daily diet. They also have no saturated fat or cholesterol, great for those with high blood pressure or high cholesterol. They contain a high concentration of vitamin B-6, copper, vitamin K, magnesium, potassium, selenium, thiamin, and zinc. They are also an excellent source of folate. Besides all of these great benefits, they taste so creamy and delicious!Okay, enough said about the good stuff for you. Serving various tasty toppings on crostini is always a hit with guests. They are individual servings, so there is no "double dipping" of anything. This recipe provides a nice, creamy taste that will complement almost any entrée. So I hope you will enjoy!Fava Bean Crostini
Equipment
- pot
- Bowl
- food processor
- Baking Sheet
- Broiler
Ingredients
- 2 cups fava beans cooked and shelled (about 1 1/2 pounds)
- 1 clove garlic smashed and cut in half
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme finely chopped
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil plus extra for drizzling
- to taste Salt
- to taste Ground Pepper
- 1 loaf good Italian bread cut into 1/2 inch thick slices
- as needed lemon wedges for serving
- 1/4 cup Italian Leaf Parsley chopped
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the beans and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain the beans and transfer to a bowl of ice water to cool. Drain, then peel and discard the tough outer skins.
- In a food processor, add the beans, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest and thyme and puree the beans with the ingredients. With the machine on, add 1/3 cup of the olive oil in a thin stream and process until smooth. Scrape the fava bean puree into a medium bowl and season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat a broiler and brush the bread slices on both sides with the remaining olive oil. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet and broil about 4 inches from the heat for 1 minute per side, or until golden and crisp.
- Spread the crostini with the fava bean puree and arrange them on a platter. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with the parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
The spread can be refrigerated for 2 days. Bring to room temperature before proceeding.
Nutrition
Calories: 322kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 5gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.1gSodium: 142mgPotassium: 161mgFiber: 3gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 12IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!