Imagine waking up to the melodious chirping of birds and the sun's warm embrace as it gently caresses your face.
As you stretch and yawn, you can't help but feel a sense of renewal and rejuvenation, thanks to the arrival of spring.
And what better way to embrace the season than with a delightful recipe that embodies its essence?
Introducing our Spring Toast, a tantalizing combination of fresh peas, broad beans, zesty lemon, and creamy feta, all piled high on a crispy slice of sourdough.
Origins
The concept of bruschetta, or toast topped with various ingredients, has its roots in Italian cuisine. Our Spring Toast recipe is inspired by this Italian classic, with a refreshing twist that celebrates the flavors of the season.
Why you will love this recipe
- This recipe is the essence of spring on a plate.
- The tender peas and broad beans, zesty lemon, fragrant mint, and creamy feta come together to create a symphony of freshness and flavor.
- It's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light lunch and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients or substitutions.
Tips
- Choose fresh, vibrant green peas and broad beans for the best flavor and texture.
- When shelling peas and beans, be gentle to avoid crushing them.
- To save time, you can blanch and peel the beans in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to use them.
- For a more substantial meal, top each toast with a poached egg.
Ingredients
- Fresh broad beans
- Fresh peas
- Feta cheese
- Lemon
- Fresh mint leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Crusty bread
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as is, or make it more substantial by topping each slice with a poached egg.
- Pair it with a fresh green salad or a bowl of seasonal fruits for a complete meal.
- Alternatively, pair it with a glass of crisp white wine or Hibiscus iced tea for a delightful alfresco dining experience.
Substitutions
- Frozen varieties work well in this recipe if fresh peas and beans aren't available.
- Swap feta for goat cheese or ricotta for a different taste profile.
- Replace sourdough with any crusty bread of your choice.
- Try other herbs like basil or parsley in place of mint.
Equipment
- Medium pot
- Large bowl
- Fork
- Zester
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Toaster or oven
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Spring Toast is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can prepare the pea and bean mixture in advance and refrigerate it. Assemble the toast just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Q: Can I use canned peas and beans?
A: While canned peas and beans can be used in a pinch, the fresh or frozen varieties offer this recipe's best flavor and texture.
Q: How do I store leftover Spring Toast?
A: Store leftover topping in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Re-toast the bread and assemble the toast just before serving to ensure the best texture.
📖 Recipe
Spring Toast
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups shelled fresh broad beans
- 1 ½ cups shelled fresh peas
- 7 oz feta cheese
- zest & juice of 1 large lemon
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves roughly chopped
- ¼-1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 slices crusty bread like sourdough toasted
Optional Ingredients
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley in place of or in addition to mint
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds
- ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 4 poached eggs for a more substantial meal
Instructions
- Prepare a medium pot of boiling salted water, and keep a large bowl of ice-cold water nearby. Blanch the broad beans for 2 minutes, then add the peas and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Drain the beans and peas, and immediately transfer them to the ice-cold water. Let them cool for a couple of minutes before draining them again.
- Peel the broad beans by gently squeezing each one between your thumb and index finger, allowing the beans to pop out of their skins. Discard the skins.
- In a large bowl, crumble the feta cheese and add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped mint (reserve some for garnish, if desired). Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while mashing the mixture with a fork until it reaches a softened, moist, and creamy consistency.
- Add the cooled beans and peas to the feta mixture (reserving some for garnish, if you like) and stir lightly with a fork until everything is well combined.
- Assemble the toast by dividing the mixture among the 4 slices of toasted bread, spreading it evenly. Garnish with the reserved zest, mint, and peas, and drizzle with extra olive oil. Serve immediately.
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