Fava Bean and Pesto Bruschetta

Ingredients

Crusty bread

8 slices

Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup, grated

Pine nuts

1/4 cup

Fresh basil leaves

2 cups

Salt

1/2 teaspoon or to taste

Black pepper

1/4 teaspoon or to taste

Olive oil

1/2 cup

Lemon juice

1 tablespoon

Garlic

2 cloves, minced

Fava beans

1 cup, shelled and cooked

Instructions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fava beans and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water, then remove the outer skins.
2. In a food processor, combine the cooked and skinned fava beans, minced garlic, lemon juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pulse until smooth to create the fava bean spread.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, and grated Parmesan cheese. Add the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil. Use a blender or food processor to blend the ingredients into a smooth pesto.
4. Toast the sliced crusty bread in a toaster or under the broiler until golden brown.
5. Spread the fava bean mixture onto the toasted bread slices.
6. Top each bruschetta with a spoonful of the homemade pesto.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy! For variation, you may add thinly sliced cherry tomatoes or mozzarella cheese on top.