Bruschetta with White Beans, Tomatoes and Olives Recipe
Ingredients:
1-1/2 C canned white beans, rinsed and drained well
3 med. tomatoes, seeded & chopped
1/4 C pitted kalamata olives
4 -6 tbsp. olive oil
1/4 C chopped fresh basil
1 tbsp. minced fresh garlic
1 baguette sliced into 1/2" rounds* (Highly recommend using a big crusty peasant loaf instead)
5 to 6 oz. soft fresh goat cheese
(I added salt and fresh ground pepper to taste and I highly recommend it)
Directions:Combine beans, tomatoes, olives, 4 tbsp. olive oil, basil and garlic. Season w/ salt & pepper. Baguette slices can be basted lightly w/olive oil and broiled or toasted (no oil necessary) in a toaster until golden and crisp. Spread toasts w/goat cheese, then top with bean mixture. A great recipe for using up 1 or 2-day old baguette that's too stale to eat on its own.
I tried this over the weekend not thinking it would be so great, but had to try it based on all the rave reviews. I'm not a fan of kalamata olives and only like goat cheese in certain dishes. I even considered changing the cheese and olives, but didn't determined to see what all the fuss is about. Well I get it now. Try this and even if you're a Doubting Thomas I know you'll love it! It's amazing how all the flavors come together and compliment each other. I just can't say enough good things. I will be having this again very soon, like this weekend!
Drew - this is probably a silly question but what did you do with the olives once they were "pitted" did you chop them or just mix them in whole with the other ingredients?
Another silly question - did you use 1 and 1/2 cup of beans or one 1/2 cup? TIA!
Drew - this is probably a silly question but what did you do with the olives once they were "pitted" did you chop them or just mix them in whole with the other ingredients? Another silly question - did you use 1 and 1/2 cup of beans or one 1/2 cup? TIA!-- Edited by flknight24 at 09:46, 2006-04-27
I chopped the olives in quarters; it's 1.5 Cups on the beans which is the same as one can.
needsfashionadvice, Have you asked someone at the grocery store for goat cheese? They may have it and you just didn't notice. I suppose if it comes down to it you could try a fancier type grocer, they usually have it.
Oh man, I haven't stopped raving (and thinking) about this since I made it awhile back. It is AWESOME!! I did it without olives though because I detest olives. Either way is great, I'm sure.
needsfashionadvice - you don't have to use goat cheese, necessarily. I've made it using the little laughing cow wedges (to cut back on cals) and it was still amazing.