Pea pesto crostini

Crostini is an Italian style appetizer that literally means little toasts. It is basically thinly sliced bread which is toasted or grilled till crispy, then drizzled with olive oil, salt and pepper, either served as-is or topped with some pesto, cheese or other toppings. It is a great appetizer to make for a party and always a crowd-pleaser. The other day I was watching food network (which I am addicted to :) and saw Giada making these pea pesto crostini. I love pesto all kinds :) I liked it so much that I adopted the idea with my own tweaks by adding some ingredients and made it right away (I added mint, basil and chilli flakes and more garlic). I also just broiled the bread in my oven in place of grilling them. It turned out a great, crispy and toasty bread with sweet pea minty pesto. Two words... simply awesome.


Ingredients:

For Pesto -
Green Peas ..................................... 2 cups
Garlic ............................................ 2 cloves
Grated parmesan .............................. 1/2 cup
Salt .............................................. 1 teaspoon, plus extra for seasoning
Freshly ground black pepper ................ 1/2 teaspoon, plus extra for seasoning
Olive oil ......................................... 1/3 cup
Mint .............................................. 1/4 cup
Basil .............................................. 1/4 cup


Chilli flakes ..................................... 1/2 tsp
For Crostini -

Whole-grain baguette .......................... 8 (1/2-inch thick) slices
Tomato ............................................ 1 small, diced
Method:
1. Pulse together the peas, mint, basil, garlic, parmesan, 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper in a food processor. With the machine running, slowly add the olive oil until well combined, about 1 to 2 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.

2. Brush both sides of the sliced bread with olive oil and broil in an oven till golden brown. Transfer the bread to a clean surface and spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of the prepared pesto on each slice.

Top with tomato halves and serve. ENJOY!!

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