Cannellini Bean Tomato Crostini Recipes

CANNELLINI CROSTINI

Steps:

• *NOTE: A word of advice: Using roasted garlic mellowed the flavor. Using unroasted garlic will in my opinion overpower the flavor however. DO NOT use jarred roasted garlic.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the white beans, garlic, sherry vinegar, lemon juice and olive oil. Add a little bit of the cooking bean liquid if necessary to help in blending. Be careful not to add too much liquid though!
• Mash the bean mixture with a fork until very smooth. If you think it is necessary to add again a very small amount of the bean cooking liquid to help in mashing, then do so.
• Cover the bean mixture and allow to sit at least 1 hour. I recommend tasting and adjusting seasonings after standing time.
• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Brush each slice of bread with olive oil on both sides, and toast in the skillet until it is lightly browned on both sides; approximately 2 minutes per side. (Alternatively, you can broil the baguette slices, but you need to be [[really]] careful not to burn the bread!).
• Top each slice with some of the bean mixture.
• Arrange the crostini slices on a pretty platter. Add a sprinkle of paprika over the slices, very lightly drizzle a small amount of olive oil on top of the toasted slices, garnish artfully with the fresh parsley and a smattering of red onion rings.
• Serve immediately.
• Prep and cooking times are estimated.

SMASHED CANNELLINI BEAN CROSTINI

Steps:

• Heat half the oil in a shallow saucepan over a low-medium heat and scatter in the sage leaves, if using. Fry for 2 mins until crisp, lift onto a plate using a slotted spoon. Tip the onion into the pan and cook for 3 mins until soft, then add the garlic and cook for 1 min more. Sprinkle in the pepper and toast for 1 min, then stir in the beans. Turn off the heat. Stir in the lemon juice.
• Season the mixture with salt, then tip into a food processor or mini chopper with the remaining oil. Blitz everything together to your desired consistency - it can be a smooth or a rough paste. Will keep covered in the fridge for two days. Bring to room temperature 1 hour before serving.
• Serve the dip as is with crostini or breadsticks, or drizzle with a little extra olive oil and top with the crispy sage leaves, if using.