Mashed boiled broad beans and feta cheese, spread over rustic brown bread.
I used to think that simple food was a tad dull. I’ve always leaned towards more intricate dishes, believing complexity equated to excitement. However, a visit to the local farmers’ market one day turned my perspective on its head in a rather surprising manner. I’m not exactly one to derive joy from straightforward cooking. Hand me a recipe with a multitude of steps and ingredients, and I’m fully engaged. So, when I laid eyes on those vivid broad beans, an idea for a quick lunch sprang to mind. I desired them in their simplest form, reveling in their vivid green hue.
The notion struck me to craft a humble, rustic homemade bread, generously adorned with a spread of broad beans, reminiscent of the way we lovingly slather avocado. But why not infuse this canvas with a dash of savory delight in the form of salty cheese? A brief yet transformative process of boiling and shell removal seemed all that was needed. Additionally, incorporating finely chopped fresh basil leaves adds a fragrant and herbaceous dimension to the blend of crushed boiled broad beans and crumbled tangy feta.
The mashed beans, with their gentle and earthy undertones, unexpectedly complemented the salty and tangy feta cheese. The smooth, velvety consistency of the mashed beans created a harmonious contrast with the crumbly feta. This blend of textures, harmonized with the equilibrium of flavours, made each bite a distinct and delightful experience.
As you take a mouthful, you’ll relish the smooth, slightly nutty essence of the mashed beans. This follows by the feta’s saltiness that elevates the flavours to a higher realm. The simple union of these two modest ingredients, holds the power to create an impressive and satisfying mix of flavours. This realization gently underscores that in the world of food, it’s often the most unexpected combinations that yield the most unforgettable tastes.
Try this refreshing and flavourful snack, perfect when paired with your choice of homemade bread. The harmonious blend of feta cheese and finely chopped fresh basil leaves creates a captivating medley of tastes. This option stands as an excellent choice for a swift and fulfilling summer lunch.
Green Notes
Broad beans, also acknowledged as fava beans, boast an ancient history tracing back thousands of years. Flourishing in civilizations such as Egypt and Greece, these beans carry a bounty of nutrients. They provide plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins A and C, folate, iron, and potassium, forming a nutritional powerhouse. Broad beans proudly exhibit a unique feature – they wear two shells, an outer pod and an inner casing, requiring you to shed these layers before enjoying their goodness. Moreover, they’ve earned a reputation for their skill in enhancing soil quality through nitrogen fixation.
Broad beans and feta cheese on toast
Ingredients
- 1 cup broad beans
- 2 large slices brown bread
- 2 garlic cloves - finely chopped
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup feta cheese
- a few fresh basil leaves
- 1 lemon - juice and zest
- salt and pepper - to taste
Instructions
- Remove broad beans from their pods.
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- Boil them in a small amount of water for 3 minutes.
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- Drain and remove them from their outer skin.
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- Heat some olive oil in a frying pan and sauté the finely chopped garlic for 1-2 minutes. Then place slices of your chosen bread into the pan and fry each side for 1-2 minutes.
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- In a small bowl, mash the broad beans. Add finely chopped fresh basil leaves, lemon juice, lemon zest, and 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil. Mix thoroughly.
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- Spread feta cheese over each slice of bread and top with the mashed broad beans.
- Sprinkle some black pepper and drizzle extra olive oil as a finishing touch.
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