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Crostini with Fava Beans, Ramps & Radishes

This appetizer combined all of the best of spring: fava beans, radishes and ramps with the creaminess of goat cheese

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Yield: 12-15 pieces, 6 servings as an appetizer

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Active Time: 40 minutes
Start to Finish: 40 minutes

For this recipe you’ll need:

  • 1 cup fresh fava beans
  • 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 bunch ramps, stems thinly sliced on the bias, leaves cut into chiffonade (see note, below)
  • Zest of one lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, rough chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil or mint, cut into chiffonade
  • 6 radishes, julienned
  • 1/2 French baguette, cut into thick slices on a diagonal
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup goat cheese, softened
  1. To prepare the fava beans, bring a pot of water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt. Remove the fava beans from the pods and blanch the beans in the boiling water until they are crisp yet tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to shock them.

  2. Once the beans are cool, drain them and peel off the outer hull so you are left with the bright green bean. Place in a bowl.

  3. Heat a sauté pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Sauté the white part of the ramps until they are softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the greens and continue to cook until wilted. Toss in the shucked fava beans and cook until heated through. Remove from the heat.

  4. Stir the lemon zest, parsley and mint and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

  5. Preheat a grill pan over medium heat.

  6. Brush each slice of the bread with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Grill the bread on both sides until golden brown and crisp.

  7. Spread each slice of grilled bread with the softened goat cheese.

  8. Spoon the vegetable topping on top of the cheese and sprinkle with the tops of the radishes. Serve the crostini at room temperature.

NOTE: If ramps are not available, substitute 1 leek. Cut the white and pale green parts into medium dice, and place in a bowl. Fill the bowl with tepid water and agitate the leeks with your hand allowing the dirt to sink to the bottom of the bowl. Remove the leeks from the bowl, and use for cooking.