BUTTERBEAN BRUSCHETTA WITH COUNTRY HAM

  • PREP TIME: 10 minutes
  • COOK TIME: 15 minutes
  • YIELDS: 12 servings

Ingredients

Butterbean puree:
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen butter beans
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled and roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Crostini:
  • 1 fresh baguette, cut into 24 slices on a diagonal
  • 12 very thin slices of country ham or prosciutto, torn in half
  • Olive oil

Butterbeans are very similar to Lima beans and are very popular in the South. This recipes uses them in a puree similar to hummus which also serves as a great dip.

Instructions

FIRST Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly drizzle baguette slices with olive oil and toast in oven until slightly brown. Bring stock to a boil in a stockpot set over medium high heat. Add butterbeans and simmer until tender, about 6-8 minutes if frozen.

NEXT Drain butterbeans and place in food processor fitted with blade attachment; add garlic and lemon juice. While processing, slowly add olive oil, and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

LAST Spread one tablespoon of butterbean puree onto each baguette slice, top with ham or prosciutto, and drizzle with olive oil if desired.