35 minutes
A fresh and vibrant appetizer or light lunch featuring fava beans, mint, and Pecorino Romano cheese on crispy country bread.
Fava Beans, shelled
0 lb
Green Garlic, trimmed and roughly chopped
stalks
to taste
to taste
Mint, lightly packed
cups
tablespoons
Pecorino Romano Cheese, freshly grated
cups
tablespoons
Country Bread, ½-inch-thick slices
slices
1. Prepare Fava Beans
Begin by shelling 2.5 pounds of fava beans, discarding their pods. Bring a pot of water to a boil, and blanch the shelled fava beans for about 2 minutes. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. This blanching process makes it easier to peel off the tough outer skins, revealing the bright green, tender beans inside.
2. Process Ingredients
Place the roughly chopped green garlic and a pinch of kosher salt into a food processor. Pulse until they are finely chopped. Add half of the mint leaves and pulse a few more times until incorporated. Then, add the peeled fava beans along with 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. Pulse the mixture until it becomes a coarse and chunky spread.
3. Season Fava Mixture
Scrape the fava mixture into a bowl and season with freshly ground black pepper. Stir in 0.25 cups of freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese and about 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
4. Prepare Bread
Brush the four ½-inch-thick slices of country bread with olive oil on both sides. Grill or broil the bread until it is golden and crispy, which usually takes just a couple of minutes on each side.
5. Assemble Bruschetta
Generously spread the fava bean mixture over the toasted bread slices. Top with the remaining mint leaves, a bit more freshly grated Pecorino Romano, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Incorporate some finely diced vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts for added complexity and a new flavor profile.
While mint is refreshing, you can substitute or add other herbs for a different taste. Consider using basil for a sweeter note, or a touch of rosemary for a more aromatic experience. A combination of parsley and chives could also provide a fresh, oniony kick.
A drizzle of balsamic reduction over the finished bruschetta can add a sweet and tangy dimension that contrasts nicely with the creamy beans and salty cheese.
Add lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice to the fava bean mixture to enhance its freshness. This addition will provide a bright and zesty flavor that complements the beans and cheese beautifully.
While traditional bruschetta is made with a rustic Italian bread, you can experiment with different types of bread such as whole grain, sourdough, or ciabatta for a change in texture and flavor.
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