Bruschetta With Spicy Ceci Bean Purée Recipes

BRUSCHETTA WITH WHITE BEAN PUREE

Steps:

• Puree the beans in a food processor until smooth, adding the reserved liquid, as necessary, for a finished consistency that is spread-able but not too thin. Add olive paste and thyme. Puree again, and while pureeing, add extra-virgin olive oil and season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Reserve, and garnish with sprigs of thyme, if desired.
• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Cut a crispy Italian bread into thick slices. Toast or grill until light brown and crispy. Then swipe once with a clove of fresh garlic, drizzle with olive oil. Spread with the White Bean Puree. Finish with a pinch of gray salt and freshly ground black pepper, if desired.

BRUSCHETTA WITH WHITE BEAN PUREE AND FRIED SAGE LEAVES

Steps:

• Place the oil in a small skillet and heat over medium high heat. Lightly dust the 16 sage leaves with flour, shaking off any excess. Drop them in the hot oil and cook just until crispy and bright green, about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
• In the bowl of a food processor, combine the beans and shallot and process until very smooth. Remove the puree from the processor and pass it through a food mill or fine-mesh sieve. Place the puree in a small bowl and stir in the olive oil, chopped sage, lemon juice and salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.
• Grill or broil the bread until lightly browned. While still hot, rub the slices with the garlic and sprinkle with a tablespoon of truffle oil. Spread each slice with about a tablespoon of the bean puree and sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of truffle oil over the tops. Top each with a fried sage leaf and serve immediately.

BRUSCHETTA WITH SPICY CECI BEAN PURéE

Steps:

• 1. On a cutting board and using the blade and flat side of a large, sharp knife, mince and mash the garlic and salt to make a paste.
• 2. In the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade, pulse the ceci beans with the garlic paste, tahini, onion, the 1/4 cup of oil, lemon juice, vinegar, red pepper, and honey. Scrape down the sides of the bowl several times and pulse until the mixture is smooth. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. The texture of the paste should be that of spreadable peanut butter; if necessary, thin it with water and pulse again.
• 3. Spread the bean paste on the bruschetta. Sprinkle with pine nuts, tarragon, and parsley. Drizzle with olive oil, and serve garnished with lemon wedges for squeezing over the bruschetta.