Bruschetta, a classic Italian antipasto, gets a hearty upgrade with the addition of white beans and prosciutto. This dish is a wonderful balance of crunchy, savory, and creamy. The versatile cannellini beans absorb the flavors of the other ingredients making it an explosion of flavors in your mouth. The prosciutto adds a perfect touch of saltiness.
Cannellini beans are a main ingredient in this recipe. These are large white Italian kidney beans, available in both dried and canned forms. They are creamy and mild in flavor, and are a staple in Italian cuisine. If you are shopping in a supermarket, you might find them in the canned goods aisle or in the international foods section. Prosciutto, a type of Italian cured ham, can usually be found in the deli section.
White-Bean and Prosciutto Bruschetta Ingredients
Cannellini beans: These are a great source of fiber and protein, making this dish filling.
Wine vinegar: Adds a nice tangy taste to the bean mixture.
Olive oil: This is used for its rich and robust flavor.
Fresh thyme: It adds an earthy and slightly floral flavor to the dish.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavors of the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat to the dish.
Fresh parsley: It brings a fresh and light taste to this hearty dish.
Prosciutto: This Italian dry-cured ham adds a savory and salty flavor.
Bruschetta: Provides a crunchy base for the creamy cannellini bean mixture.
Red onion: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet flavor.
One reader, Ambrose Lockwood says:
This white-bean and prosciutto bruschetta recipe is a game-changer! The creamy texture of the beans combined with the savory prosciutto creates a burst of flavor in every bite. It's easy to make and perfect for entertaining. I highly recommend trying it out for your next gathering!
Key Techniques for Making White-Bean and Prosciutto Bruschetta
Mashing the beans: Use a fork to mash the beans to a coarse puree, ensuring that the texture is not too smooth.
Assembling the bruschetta: Layer the prosciutto on each bruschetta and top it with the bean mixture, then sprinkle the remaining parsley and red onion over the beans for a balanced flavor profile.
How To Make White-Bean and Prosciutto Bruschetta
Enjoy a medley of texture and flavor in this tasty prosciutto bruschetta; topped with creamy white beans and crisp onions, for a rich appetizer!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2cupscannellini beans,(19 oz can), drained and rinsed canned
- 1¼tspwine vinegar
- 1tbspolive oil
- ¾tspfresh thyme,chopped
- ¼tspsalt
- tspfresh ground black pepper
- 2½tbspfresh parsley,chopped
- 2ozprosciutto,thin sliced
- bruschetta
- 2tbspred onion,minced
Instructions
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Put the beans in a medium glass or stainless-steel bowl. Using a fork, mash the beans to a coarse puree.
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Stir in the vinegar, oil, thyme, salt, pepper and 2 tablespoons of the parsley.
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Put some of the prosciutto on each of the bruschetta and top with the bean mixture. Sprinkle the remaining ½ tablespoon of parsley and the red onion over the beans.
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Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 398.07kcal
- Fat: 5.45g
- Saturated Fat: 1.09g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.09g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.87g
- Carbohydrates: 61.82g
- Fiber: 15.63g
- Sugar: 2.37g
- Protein: 27.71g
- Cholesterol: 9.92mg
- Sodium: 399.98mg
- Calcium: 250.68mg
- Potassium: 1912.36mg
- Iron: 10.95mg
- Vitamin A: 10.46µg
- Vitamin C: 3.78mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting Your Bruschetta Technique
When mashing the cannellini beans, it's important not to overdo it. You want a coarse puree, not a smooth paste. This will give your bruschetta a more interesting texture and allow the flavors of the prosciutto, parsley, and red onion to shine through. Additionally, when adding the vinegar and olive oil, drizzle them in slowly while stirring to ensure they're evenly distributed throughout the bean mixture. This will ensure every bite is full of flavor.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Bruschetta Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the cannellini bean mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This will save time when assembling the bruschetta.
Use pre-sliced prosciutto: Purchase pre-sliced prosciutto to eliminate the need for slicing it yourself, saving time and effort in the kitchen.
Multi-task: While the bruschetta is toasting, you can prepare the bean mixture to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Organize ingredients: Before starting the recipe, gather and organize all the ingredients and utensils needed to streamline the cooking process.
Invest in a good knife: A sharp, high-quality knife can make chopping and slicing ingredients quicker and more efficient, saving time during meal preparation.
Substitute Ingredients For White-Bean and Prosciutto Bruschetta Recipe
cannellini beans - Substitute with navy beans: Navy beans have a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, making them a suitable replacement for cannellini beans in this recipe.
wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a slightly fruity and tangy flavor similar to wine vinegar, making it a good alternative in this recipe.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
fresh thyme - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme can be used as a substitute for fresh thyme, but use it in smaller quantities as it is more concentrated in flavor.
prosciutto - Substitute with pancetta: Pancetta is a cured Italian meat with a similar flavor profile to prosciutto, making it a suitable substitute in this recipe.
bruschetta - Substitute with crostini: Crostini are small, toasted bread slices that can be used as a substitute for bruschetta in this recipe.
red onion - Substitute with shallot: Shallots have a mild, sweet flavor similar to red onions and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
How to Beautifully Present White-Bean and Prosciutto Bruschetta
Elevate the bruschetta: Start by using a high-quality, crusty bread for the bruschetta base. Toast it to perfection, ensuring a crispy exterior and a soft interior.
Artful arrangement of prosciutto: Arrange the prosciutto on the bruschetta in a visually appealing manner, ensuring it complements the other ingredients and adds a touch of elegance to the dish.
Garnish with precision: Carefully sprinkle the remaining parsley and red onion over the beans, ensuring an even distribution and a visually stunning finish.
Balance flavors: Ensure that the flavors are well-balanced, with the creamy bean puree complementing the salty prosciutto and the tangy vinegar adding a delightful contrast.
Attention to detail: Pay attention to the finer details, such as the placement of the bruschetta on the serving plate and the overall visual presentation of the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Bruschetta
- Fork: A utensil with prongs used for stirring, mashing, or whisking ingredients.
- Medium glass or stainless-steel bowl: A container for mixing and holding ingredients, typically made of glass or stainless steel.
- Bruschetta: Slices of toasted bread, typically rubbed with garlic and topped with various ingredients.
- Knife: A tool used for slicing and dicing ingredients.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Bruschetta
Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for white-bean and prosciutto bruschetta:
- To store leftover bruschetta, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The prosciutto may lose some of its crispness, but the flavors will still be delicious.
- If you want to make the bean mixture ahead of time, prepare it as directed and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, let the mixture come to room temperature, then assemble the bruschetta and top with the remaining parsley and red onion.
- The bean mixture can also be frozen for longer storage. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
- It's best to assemble the bruschetta just before serving for optimal texture and flavor. If you need to make them ahead of time, you can toast the bread and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Top with the bean mixture and other ingredients just before serving.
- Leftover assembled bruschetta do not freeze well due to the toasted bread and crisp prosciutto. It's best to freeze just the bean mixture if needed and assemble the bruschetta fresh when ready to enjoy.
How To Reheat Leftover Bruschetta
- To reheat leftover white-bean and prosciutto bruschetta, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the bruschetta is heated through evenly and the prosciutto becomes crispy again.
- Place the leftover bruschetta on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will prevent the bruschetta from sticking to the pan and make cleanup easier.
- If the bruschetta seems a bit dry, you can drizzle a little olive oil over the top before reheating. This will help to moisten the bread and bring out the flavors of the white bean mixture.
- Bake the bruschetta in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and the toppings are heated through. Keep an eye on the bruschetta to make sure it doesn't burn.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the bruschetta in a toaster oven or under the broiler for a quicker option. Just be sure to watch it closely, as it can burn quickly under direct heat.
- Once the bruschetta is heated through and crispy, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. You can garnish with fresh parsley or red onion if desired.
- If you have a large amount of leftover bruschetta, you can also reheat it in batches in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a little olive oil in the skillet over medium heat, then add the bruschetta and cook until heated through and crispy on both sides.
Interesting Trivia About White-Bean and Prosciutto Bruschetta
Prosciutto is an Italian dry-cured ham that adds a savory and salty flavor to the white-bean and prosciutto bruschetta recipe. It is a popular ingredient in Italian cuisine and is often used to add depth and richness to dishes.
Is Making Bruschetta at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this white-bean and prosciutto bruschetta recipe is quite high. The main ingredients, such as cannellini beans and prosciutto, are relatively affordable and can be purchased in bulk. The addition of fresh herbs and olive oil enhances the flavor without significantly increasing the cost. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its balance of cost and quality. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly yet delicious option.
Is This Bruschetta Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The white-bean and prosciutto bruschetta recipe is a relatively healthy appetizer option, offering a balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Here's a breakdown of the nutritional aspects:
- Cannellini beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, which can help promote feelings of fullness and support digestive health.
- Olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley add flavor without contributing significant calories, while also providing small amounts of vitamins and minerals.
- Prosciutto, although high in sodium and saturated fat, is used in moderation in this recipe, adding a savory flavor without overwhelming the dish.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this bruschetta, consider the following suggestions:
- Increase the amount of cannellini beans to boost the protein and fiber content of the dish.
- Use whole-grain or sprouted-grain bread for the bruschetta to add more fiber and nutrients.
- Reduce the amount of prosciutto or replace it with a leaner protein source, such as grilled chicken or turkey.
- Add more vegetables to the bruschetta, such as diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers, to increase the vitamin and mineral content.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to add flavor without relying on salt, such as basil, oregano, or red pepper flakes.
- Use a high-quality, extra-virgin olive oil to ensure you're getting the most beneficial compounds and flavor.
By making these adjustments, you can create a more nutrient-dense and satisfying appetizer that still retains the delicious flavors of the original recipe.
The Editor's Take on This Delightful Bruschetta Recipe
The white bean and prosciutto bruschetta recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The creamy cannellini bean puree, enhanced with vinegar, olive oil, and fresh herbs, provides a luscious base for the salty, savory prosciutto. The addition of red onion adds a pop of color and a hint of sharpness. This bruschetta is a perfect appetizer for any occasion, offering a sophisticated yet approachable taste experience. The recipe is simple to prepare, making it an excellent choice for entertaining or a casual gathering. Overall, it's a delicious and elegant dish that is sure to impress your guests.
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Why trust this White-Bean and Prosciutto Bruschetta Recipe:
This recipe is a must-try for any prosciutto lover. The creamy cannellini beans are perfectly seasoned with wine vinegar, olive oil, and fresh thyme. The addition of crispy prosciutto adds a delightful texture and savory flavor. With the final touch of red onion and fresh parsley, this bruschetta is a symphony of flavors. Trust the combination of quality ingredients and expertly balanced flavors to elevate your culinary experience.
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