Description
A fresh and vibrant appetizer featuring a creamy blend of white beans, black-eyed peas, and avocado served on toasted French baguette slices. This crostini is enhanced with crisp red bell pepper, green onions, jalapeño, and a zesty honey-lime dressing, making it perfect for a quick snack or party dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Bean Mixture
- 15 ounce can small white beans (rinsed and drained)
- 15 ounce can black-eyed peas (lightly rinsed and drained)
- 1 small red bell pepper (diced)
- 3 or 4 green onions (diced)
- 1 jalapeño (seeded as desired and diced)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 avocado (chopped)
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons honey
- ½ lime (juiced)
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground pepper (to taste)
Crostini
- 1 French baguette (sliced)
- Olive oil (as needed for brushing)
Instructions
- Combine the Beans and Vegetables: In a large bowl, mix together the rinsed and drained white beans and black-eyed peas with the diced red bell pepper, green onions, and jalapeño until evenly distributed.
- Prepare and Add the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Pour this dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture, tossing gently to coat everything well. Add the chopped avocado and toss lightly to avoid mashing.
- Prepare the Crostini: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Use a pastry brush to coat each slice lightly with olive oil, ensuring even coverage.
- Toast the Baguette Slices: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the coated baguette slices for about 7 to 10 minutes or until they become golden brown and crisp to serve as a perfect base for the toppings.
- Serve: Spoon the bean and avocado mixture generously onto the toasted baguette slices to create crostini. Alternatively, serve the mixture as a flavorful dip alongside tortilla chips.
Notes
- The jalapeño can be adjusted or omitted based on your spice preference.
- For a vegan option, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- To add extra crunch, sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds on top before serving.
- Make sure to toss the avocado gently to prevent it from turning mushy.
- This dish can also be enjoyed as a cold dip for parties.
