Description
A fresh and vibrant trio of bruschetta featuring a zesty Lemon Cannellini Bean topping served on toasted crusty bread. This easy-to-make appetizer combines creamy mashed cannellini beans with bright lemon juice and zest, aromatic parsley, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to create a healthy, flavorful starter perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 4 slices crusty bread (such as sourdough or ciabatta), 1cm (0.5 inch) thick, preferably slightly stale
- 1 garlic clove, halved (unpeeled)
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Lemon Cannellini Bean Topping
- 1 can (15oz/420g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- Zest of half a lemon
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Preheat a griddle pan or barbecue grill on high heat, using the grill side rather than the hotplate side. Place the slices of bread onto the grill and cook each side until the bread is nicely toasted and golden brown with visible char lines. Alternatively, you can use a toaster or grill/broiler to toast the bread.
- Rub With Garlic: Once toasted, remove the bread slices from heat and lightly rub the surface of each slice with the unpeeled, halved garlic clove. This imparts a subtle garlic flavor to the bread.
- Make Lemon Cannellini Topping: In a small bowl, combine the drained cannellini beans, lemon zest, lemon juice, and finely chopped parsley. Using a fork, mash about half of the beans while leaving the other half mostly whole to retain texture. Taste the mixture before seasoning, then add salt and pepper as needed, keeping in mind the salt content of the beans can vary by brand.
- Assemble the Bruschetta: Spread the lemon cannellini bean mixture generously over the toasted bread slices. Garnish each bruschetta with extra chopped parsley and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for added richness and flavor. Serve immediately while the bread is still warm and crisp.
Notes
- Using slightly stale bread helps it toast better and hold toppings without becoming soggy.
- The garlic rub adds aromatic flavor without overpowering the beans.
- Mashing only half of the beans creates a nice textural contrast.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest to taste depending on your preference for acidity.
- This recipe can be easily adapted by adding other toppings or herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: bruschetta, lemon cannellini bean, Italian appetizer, grilled bread, healthy starter, easy bruschetta recipe
