Crostini with Rosemary Lentil Cream
Category: Appetizers
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Vegetable broth | 400 ml |
| Cloves | 3 |
| Red onions | ½ |
| Juniper berries | 3 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 3 tbsp |
| Red wine | 40 ml |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Smoked pancetta | 40 g |
| Dried lentils | 200 g |
| Butter | 80 g |
| Baguette | 10 slices |
| Rosemary | 1 sprig |
Instructions
To prepare the Crostini with Rosemary Lentil Cream, start by making the lentils infused with aromatic flavors. In a non-stick pot, heat some olive oil and sauté the finely chopped red onion over low heat. Once the onion is soft and translucent, add the bay leaves, juniper berries, and cloves to infuse their flavors into the mixture.
Next, finely chop the smoked pancetta into small strips or cubes and add it to the pan. Allow the pancetta to cook with the onion until it becomes slightly crispy. After the onion has softened and the pancetta is lightly browned, stir in the dried lentils. Let them cook for a few minutes on low heat to absorb the flavors.
Once the lentils have begun to cook, pour in the red wine and allow it to evaporate. After the wine has cooked down, pour in the vegetable broth to cover the lentils. Stir occasionally to ensure the lentils don’t dry out; if they begin to get too dry, add more broth as necessary. Continue cooking until the lentils are tender and fully cooked.
Once the lentils are ready, transfer them into a blender, keeping aside a few spoonfuls of lentils for garnish. Blend the lentils into a smooth cream. In a separate non-stick pan, melt half of the butter over medium heat. Add the lentil cream and finely chopped rosemary, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to cook for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally.
While the lentil cream is heating, toast the baguette slices in the pan, turning them to get an even golden-brown color on both sides. Once the crostini is ready, transfer the lentil cream into a piping bag.
Pipe a generous amount of the creamy lentil mixture onto each crostini. For the final touch, garnish with the reserved lentils and a few sprigs of rosemary, using a teaspoon to carefully place them on top of the crostini. Serve and enjoy these aromatic and savory crostini with rosemary lentil cream as a delightful appetizer to share with your loved ones.
Perfect Pairings:
These crostini make a great appetizer for any special occasion, and they pair wonderfully with a light white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, or a refreshing herbal iced tea.
