Enhanced Fava Bean and Roasted Garlic Bruschetta

Ingredients

• Fava beans (2 cups, shelled)
• Garlic (1 whole head)
• Olive oil (3 tablespoons, divided)
• Lemon juice (1 tablespoon)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon, or to taste)
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon, or to taste)
• Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated)
• Fresh basil (1/4 cup, chopped)
• Crusty bread (1 loaf, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the garlic by cutting off the top of the head to expose the cloves. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and wrap it in aluminum foil. Roast in the oven for 30 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden.
3. While the garlic is roasting, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the shelled fava beans and cook for 2 minutes. Drain and transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to cool. Once cool, peel off the outer skins to reveal the bright green beans.
4. In a food processor, combine the roasted garlic cloves (squeezed from their skins), fava beans, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until smooth, adjusting seasoning to taste. For a touch of creaminess, you can add a little more olive oil if desired.
5. Slice the crusty bread into 1/2-inch thick slices and arrange them on a baking sheet. Brush both sides lightly with the remaining olive oil. Toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until the bread is golden and crispy.
6. Generously spread the fava bean mixture onto each toasted bread slice.
7. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.