Fava Bean Crostini Spread (Printer-Friendly)
Creamy fava beans, garlic, and lemon atop crisp crostini—refreshing and rustic for any gathering.
# What You’ll Need to Cook:
→ Crostini Base
01 -
Rustic bread or baguette, sliced
→ Fava Bean Spread
02 -
1 cup shelled fava beans, fresh or frozen
03 -
1 garlic clove
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Zest of ½ lemon
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Juice of ½ lemon
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2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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Salt, to taste
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Black pepper, to taste
# Steps to Prepare:
01 -
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fava beans and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Drain immediately and shock in ice water to cool. Remove and discard the outer skins from the beans for a tender, less bitter result.
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Drizzle or brush the bread slices with olive oil. Toast in a preheated oven or on a grill pan until golden and crisp. For added flavor, rub a peeled garlic clove over the warm toast if desired.
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Combine the peeled fava beans, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mash with a fork for a rustic texture or pulse in a food processor for a smoother spread. Adjust seasoning to taste and add more olive oil if needed.
04 -
Spread the fava bean mixture generously over each toasted bread slice. Garnish with extra lemon zest, a drizzle of olive oil, or optional toppings such as shaved cheese or fresh herbs. Serve immediately while the crostini remain crisp.
# Extra Cooking Tips:
01 -
Double-shelling the fava beans ensures a creamier texture and eliminates any bitterness from the outer skins.