White Bean Bruschetta

Prep Time: 20 min

Cook Time: 10 min

Total Time: 30 min

Servings: 10 or more

RECIPE INGREDIENTS

  • 1 baguette, cut on a slight diagonal into ½-inch slices
  • ¾ cup plus 3 tbsp Filippo Berio Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
  • 7 cloves garlic, 6 cloves very thinly sliced, 1 cut in half
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 15.5-oz. can small white beans
  • ½ tsp granulated garlic
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
  • 3 mini sweet peppers, a mix of red and orange, or 1 red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
  • ½ jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped

RECIPE DIRECTIONS

    • Position a rack 4 to 6 inches from the broiler and heat the broiler to medium.
    • Place the baguette slices on a rimmed baking sheet and, using 3 Tbs. of the oil, lightly coat both sides of each slice using a pastry brush. Rub the bread with the garlic halves, transfer to the oven, and toast until light golden brown on both sides, 11/2 to 2 minutes. Season lightly with salt and set aside.
    • Put 1/2 cup of the oil in a 1-quart saucepan and heat on low until the oil begins to shimmer. Add the sliced garlic and fry in batches, if necessary, until light golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Set aside.
    • Combine the beans and their liquid, the remaining 1/4 cup oil, 1/2 tsp. salt, the granulated garlic, and red pepper flakes in another 2-quart saucepan and heat on low heat until warmed through.
    • Put the peppers in a small bowl and toss to combine. Top the baguette slices with 1 Tbs. of the bean mixture, pressing lightly into the bread. Garnish with the chopped peppers and a slice of the fried garlic, and serve.

     

    Tip: The creamy richness of the beans turns this light and healthy dish into a richly satisfying treat. Serve as an appetizer or hors d’oeuvre, or portion two to a person with a green salad for lunch.