Crostini with White Bean Purée, Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
by Tony Rosenfeld
Yields about 1-1/4 cups spread; enough for at least 16 crostini/
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
3 cups packed baby spinach (about 5 oz.)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
15-1/2-oz. can cannellini beans, rinsed well and drained
2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
1 recipe Crostini
5 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced
Heat the oil and garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the garlic starts sizzling, reduce the heat to medium and cook until it turns golden, about 2 minutes. Transfer the garlic and all but 1 Tbs. of the oil to a food processor. Raise the heat to medium high, add the spinach, and sauté, stirring, until it wilts, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
Put the cannellini beans, thyme, and 2 Tbs. water in the food processor with the garlic. Process until fairly smooth, adding another 1 or 2 Tbs. water if needed. Season with salt and pepper. If making ahead, refrigerate the white bean purée; bring it to room temperature before assembling.
To assemble, top the crostini with the bean purée, a portion of spinach, and slices of the sun-dried tomato and serve
photo: Scott Phillips
From Fine Cooking 61
, pp. 98
December 1, 2004