Fava Bean And Pecorino Crostini

Fava Bean And Pecorino Crostini
5 from 2 ratings
Fresh beans are readily available during the late summer months, and they are surprisingly easy to cook with. Simply shell the fava beans and cook them for three minutes in boiling, salted water, then transfer them to a bowl filled with ice water to keep them from overcooking. 
Servings
4
servings
Ingredients
  • 1 baguette loaf, sliced
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for the baguette
  • 1 pound fresh fava beans, shelled
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 3/4 teaspoon cider vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped roughly
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn roughly
  • pecorino, shaved
Directions
  1. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and toast under the broiler until just golden, checking every minute to make sure the bread doesn't burn. Set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the fava beans for 3 minutes; transfer them immediately to a bowl filled with ice water to stop the cooking process.
  3. After they've cooled slightly, add the beans to the bowl of a food processor with the lemon zest and juice, olive oil, cider vinegar, and garlic. Turn the processor on and purée until the mixture is smooth. Add the pepper flakes and salt and pulse until fully combined.
  4. To assemble the crostini, spread the toasts generously with the fava bean mixture, then top with mint leaves and pecorino shavings. Serve immediately.