Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Arugula and Fava-Bean Crostini

This is another recipe that we prepared in Phoenix. it's a light and fresh meal starter and is simple to prepare. The recipe calls for fresh fava beans, which we could not find. We did, however, find some precooked ones at Trader Joe's. The recipe says that you can substitute frozen edamame for the favas. We tried this, this past weekend and the flavor was not as good.

Arugula and Fava-Bean Crostini

1 cup shelled fresh fava beans or shelled fresh or frozen edamame
1/4 cup plus 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided plus additional for drizzling
1 1/2 cups packed baby arugula, divided
3 Tbsp. grated Pecorino Toscano
1/4 tsp. grated lemon zest
1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1 baguette
1 garlic clove, halved crosswise

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cook fava beans (ours were pre-cooked) in boiling water, uncovered, 3 to 4 minutes. Gently peel off skins ( if using edamame do not peel).
Pulse fava beans in processor until coarsely chopped, then transfer 1/2 of mixture to a large bowl. Add 1/4 cup oil, 1/2 cup arugula, cheese, lemon juice and zest, 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/8 tsp. pepper to remaining beans in processor and puree until smooth. Add to bowl. Coarsely chop remaining arugula and gently fold into fava mixture.
Cut 16 diagonal slices (1/3 inch thick) from baguette and put onto 4 sided sheet pan. Brush with remaining tablespoon of oil. Bake until pale golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Rub with cut side of garlic.
Spoon bean mixture onto bread and drizzle with olive oil.

3 comments:

Dennis said...

Oh I ate this Crostini at my friends house. Its delicious!
So he gave me the link to your blog.

Thanks for the recipe!


Dennis
http://www.witu.com

Unknown said...

We had such a fabulous visit with the boys! We enjoyed our cooking evening so much…I want to say that I am a little sad and surprised at no mention of our long wait at Pizzeria Bianco…the fontina prosciutto appetizer is delectable! I agree that this was delicious! So were the yummy artisan crackers and cheese, pork tenderloin, and anything else I may have forgotten due to the Kir Royales!

John said...

It looks very healthy.
Thanks for your sharing
www.ahacook.com