Fava Bean and Herbed Ricotta Crostini

Ingredients

• Baguette (1, sliced into 1/2-inch thick slices)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons, plus more for drizzling)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Lemon zest (1 teaspoon)
• Fresh herbs (such as basil, parsley, and chives) (1/4 cup, chopped)
• Ricotta cheese (1 cup)
• Fava beans (1 cup, shelled and blanched)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick slices and arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Drizzle the bread slices with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and crispy, turning halfway through for even browning.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped fresh herbs, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until creamy and well combined.
6. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Blanch the fava beans for 2 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
7. Remove the outer skin from the fava beans by gently squeezing them; the inner bean should pop out easily.
8. Spread a generous amount of the herbed ricotta mixture onto each toasted baguette slice.
9. Top each crostini with a few fava beans, placing them decoratively on the ricotta.
10. Drizzle with additional olive oil and sprinkle with more salt and pepper, if desired.
11. Serve the crostini immediately for the best texture and flavor. Enjoy!