Any host with the most knows that having an arsenal of reliable and easy appetizers is a must. Here’s one that is simple and possibly unexpected. Combine peas with pecorino and citrus and you’ve got a tasty spread worthy of topping your favorite baguette. In the proportions listed, the spread will be rich and can be lightly spread to thin slices for your standard french baguette. If you’re looking for more of a topping to really dollop onto the bread, I would add additional peas. The nice thing about this is that you can really garnish this with a variety of options, so it is quite flexible. I had to laugh though because this is a bit of pesto “stand in” for times when you don’t have fresh basil on hand…but I had fresh basil and couldn’t help myself from using this for a little garnish. I also still had an Ancient Sweet fresh sweet red pepper, which adds a perfect contrast of color. Roasted red peppers, tomatoes, fresh mint, and lemon zest are just a few other garnish ideas that come to mind.
Citrus Pea Crostini
- 1/3 cup coarsely chopped Pecorino (can also sub your favorite firm & salty Italian cheese)
- 1 small garlic clove chopped (feel free to adjust the garlic depending on preference)
- Juice from one lemon
- 3/4 cup defrosted frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- pepper to taste
- baguette sliced, brushed with olive oil, and toasted
- garnish of your choice
In a food processor, combine cheese and garlic until very well combined. Add lemon juice, 1/2 cup of peas, and olive oil. Pulse until mixture is pureed. Add in the last 1/4 cup of peas and lightly pulse until they’ve broken up, but traces of the skin are seen. (You can just puree all together, but I like the resulted texture from following this technique.) Spread onto your baguette and top as desired.
This also tastes great stirred into pasta. Enjoy!
city food. country kitchen. 