Bean And Chicory Crostini Food

WHITE BEAN-POMEGRANATE CROSTINI

Steps:

• Mix 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds and 1 tablespoon each sherry vinegar, chopped parsley and honey; season with salt and pepper. Cook 1 chopped shallot and 3 chopped garlic cloves in a skillet with olive oil until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in one drained 15-ounce can cannellini beans plus 1/4 cup reserved liquid from the can and 1/4 cup water; season with salt and pepper and simmer 5 minutes. Smash, then spread on toasted baguette slices; top with the pomegranate mixture, a drizzle of olive oil and some orange zest.

WHITE BEANS AND ROSEMARY CROSTINI

Steps:

• Heat a fireplace to medium heat. Adjust the grill racks over the flame and heat a heavy Dutch oven over the rack. Alternatively, heat a medium saucepan over medium heat.
• Once hot, add the oil to the saucepan. Add the pancetta and render some of its fat. Add the rosemary and garlic, and saute until fragrant. Stir in the beans, lemon juice and some salt and pepper. Mash the beans with the back of a wooden spoon. Don't mash them all smooth, you want some texture.
• Toast the baguette slices. Serve the beans on top of the toasted baguette. Drizzle with olive oil if desired.

WHITE BEAN-PROSCIUTTO CROSTINI

Steps:

• Combine 2 finely chopped garlic cloves, 2/3 cup diced prosciutto, a pinch of red pepper flakes and one 15-ounce can cannellini beans (drained and rinsed) in a food processor. Add 3 tablespoons olive oil and puree until smooth, adding a splash of water to loosen; season with salt. Add 1 more can cannellini beans and pulse until just combined but still a little chunky. Add more salt to taste. Toast 1 sliced baguette in a grill pan; rub with a garlic clove. Spread each piece with the bean puree, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with chopped sage.

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.

WHITE BEANS WITH CHICORY

Steps:

• Combine the beans with 2 quarts water in a 4-quart pot and bring to a boil. Skim any foam, then add the onion, crushed garlic, bay leaf and salt to taste. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 2 hours, until the beans are very tender. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove and discard the onion, garlic cloves if desired, and bay leaf. Drain through a colander or strainer set over a bowl. Mash the beans with a potato masher and moisten with some of the cooking liquid. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. The purée should be loose.
• Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil and add the lettuce. Cook until just tender, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl of cold water and drain. Squeeze out water and chop coarsely.
• Heat the remaining olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, cook for 30 seconds, and stir in the lettuce. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring, until the lettuce is nicely coated. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with the mashed beans.