White Bean Bruschetta

Ingredients

• 1 cup cannellini beans, cooked (white)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, shredded or chiffonade
• 1-2 clove garlic, thinly sliced
• salt & fresh ground pepper, to taste
• 6 slices crusty Italian bread, cut into 1 inch thick slices
• more olive oil, to dress the bread
• garlic, to dress the bread

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat grill pan or broiler.

2. 2

   In a bowl, gently combine the beans, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, red pepper, basil and garlic.

3. 3

   Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. 4

   It's nice if the mixture can sit for a half an hour or so.

5. 5

   For the bread: I usually warm a clove or two of chopped garlic in some olive oil to infuse the flavor.

6. 6

   This can be done on the stovetop over VERY low heat, or in the microwave heated for about 30 seconds.

7. 7

   Add a couple shakes of salt and pepper, and brush garlic oil evenly over the bread slices.

8. 8

   Toast bread under the broiler, or on a grill pan for a few minutes (3-5), until slightly brown and crisp, or until there are grill marks.

9. 9

   Top the bread slices with the bean mixture and drizzle any extra balsamic/oil over the top.

10. 10

    This bruschetta is nice served with a tossed green salad.