Crostini With Smashed Peas And Fresh Mint Recipes

Steps:

• For the pea pesto:
• Add the peas, Parmesan, garlic, fresh mint, and salt and pepper in a food processor and pulse to combine. With the machine running, slowly add the olive oil until well combined, about 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
• For the crostini:
• Preheat a stovetop griddle or grill pan on medium-high heat. Brush both sides of the bread with olive oil and grill until golden, about 1 to 2 minutes.
• Transfer the bread to a clean surface and spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of the prepared pesto on each slice. Top with 2 tomato halves and transfer to a serving platter before serving.
• *Cooks Note: If you don't have day-old bread on hand, you can dry out fresh bread by putting the slices in a preheated 300 degree F oven until slightly crisp, about 5 minutes.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Arrange baguette slices on two large rimmed baking sheets; brush both sides with oil, and season with salt and pepper.
• Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until golden, 15 to 20 minutes (if undersides are not browning, turn crostini over once during baking). Let cool on baking sheets. Top crostini with desired toppings, and serve.

Steps:

• Quarter leek lengthwise, then slice crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick pieces. Place leeks in a large bowl of cold water, and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes to rid them of dirt and sand. Lift leeks out of the water with a slotted spoon, and drain on paper towels.
• In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over low heat; add garlic, shallots, leeks, salt, and pepper. Cook until very soft but not browned, about 15 minutes. Add peas, raise heat to medium, and cook, stirring, until peas are heated through, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Transfer the pea mixture to the bowl of a food processor. Add chicken stock and remaining tablespoon of olive oil; pulse until mixture is a coarse puree, about 12 pulses. Transfer half the puree to a medium bowl. Process the remaining half for 15 seconds, then combine with the coarsely pureed peas. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary.
• Transfer smashed peas to a serving dish. Stir in mint. Serve immediately or at room temperature.

Steps:

• In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-low heat. Add 2 thinly sliced scallions (below); cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 2 minutes.
• Add 3 packages (10 ounces each) thawed frozen peas, 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until peas are tender and heated through, about 5 minutes.
• Add 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh mint, 1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons butter; swirl pan until butter is creamy, 1 minute more.

Steps:

• Cook peas in boiling salted water until tender, then drain. In a medium bowl, lightly mash peas with the back of a fork. Add olive oil, mint, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper and stir to combine. To serve, divide prosciutto among crostini and top with pea mixture.

Steps:

• Grill 12 slices bread and rub with garlic clove.
• Blanch peas in a large saucepan of boiling salted water until just tender, about 2 minutes for fresh peas and 1 minute for frozen.
• Drain peas; transfer to a bowl. Season with kosher salt and extra-virgin olive oil and mash with the back of a fork.
• Spread about 1 tablespoon mixture over each toast. Garnish with shaved Parmesan, torn mint, and a few drops of balsamic vinegar.