Smashed Cannellini Bean Crostini Recipe
Smashed cannellini bean crostini is a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer featuring creamy cannellini beans blended with sautéed onions, garlic, and fragrant sage leaves. Served on crispy crostini or breadsticks, this dish combines smooth textures with aromatic herbs and a hint of lemon for a refreshing and satisfying starter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling (optional)
- 12 sage leaves (optional)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
- 400g can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 12 crostini or breadsticks, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare the sage leaves: Heat half the olive oil in a shallow saucepan over low to medium heat. Add the sage leaves if using, and fry them gently for 2 minutes until they become crisp. Use a slotted spoon to lift the crispy sage leaves out and place them on a plate to drain.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the finely chopped onion to the same pan and cook for 3 minutes until it softens. Then, add the chopped garlic and continue to cook for 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Add pepper and beans: Sprinkle in the cracked black pepper and toast it with the sautéed onion and garlic for 1 minute. Next, stir in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans. Turn the heat off after adding the beans.
- Add lemon juice and season: Stir in the juice of half a lemon and add salt to taste. Mix everything well to combine all flavors.
- Blend to desired consistency: Transfer the bean mixture to a food processor or mini chopper along with the remaining olive oil. Blitz the mixture to your preferred texture—whether smooth or slightly chunky as a rough paste.
- Chill and prepare to serve: Cover and refrigerate the smashed beans mixture—it will keep well for up to two days. Before serving, bring it to room temperature about one hour in advance.
- Serve: Spoon the cannellini bean spread onto crostini or breadsticks. Optionally, drizzle with extra olive oil and top with the crispy sage leaves for an added burst of flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can adjust the consistency of the bean mixture by blending less for a chunky texture or more for a smooth spread.
- The crispy sage leaves add a wonderful herbal crunch but can be omitted if desired.
- For best flavor, allow the bean mixture to come to room temperature before serving.
- Pair with your favorite crostini or breadsticks for easy serving and a perfect appetizer.
Keywords: cannellini beans, crostini, appetizer, Italian, vegetarian, bean dip, olive oil, sage, easy recipe
