There are some perfect produce/dairy pairings in the world that are hard to argue with - tomatoes & mozzarella, beets & goat cheese, corn & butter. I’d like to propose adding fava beans and ricotta to that list - and once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why. As soon as spring arrives, I can’t wait to get my hands on some fresh fava beans. Yes, they take time and patience to prepare but the result is a seasonal delight. This recipe is super simple, so the key is sourcing the best ingredients. Using fresh mint, high quality ricotta, and your favorite crunchy sea salt will elevate this appetizer to the next level.
FAVA BEAN AND RICOTTA CROSTINI
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serves: 6
INGREDIENTS:
1 french baguette, sliced
2 pounds fresh fava beans (for 2 cups peeled)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup mint leaves
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
Salt and pepper to taste
Flaky Sea Salt (I love this one)
DIRECTIONS
Start by removing the fava beans from their pod by sliding your finger nail along the seam. Open the pod and remove the beans. You can also tear off the end and pull the seam down like a string.
Bring a salted pot of water to a boil and blanch the beans for two minutes. Drain and submerge them in an ice bath to cool. This will preserve their color. Separate the beans from their shells by gently squeezing them and using your thumbnail to pop out the bean. Place beans in a bowl and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Preheat broiler to high. Arrange sliced baguette on a baking sheet and brush with melted butter. Broil until the edges begin to brown. about one minute.
Build your crostini. Top each baguette slice with a generous portion of ricotta. Drizzle with half of the olive oil and the honey. Spoon the fava beans on top and garnish with mint leave. Drizzle the remaining olive oil on top. Sprinkle with sea salt and lemon zest.
For a more rustic presentation, mix together all ingredients and serve as a dip with the baguette slices, crackers or even radish slices. Enjoy with your favorite white wine!
Start by removing the fava beans from their pods
Blanch the fava beans - first scald in boiling water then plunge into an ice bath
Remove the fava beans from their shells
Top crostini with fava beans, mint, and sea salt