Herbed Chickpea Bruschetta Recipes

HERBED RICOTTA BRUSCHETTAS

Steps:

• Prepare a charcoal grill with hot coals or turn a gas grill to medium-high heat.
• Combine the ricotta, scallions, dill, chives, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and set aside. Cut the bread in half and cut each half into 6 thick slices to make 12 slices total.
• When the grill is hot, brush the bread with olive oil and grill on each side for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove from the grill and rub each slice of bread with the cut side of the garlic clove. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and spread with the herbed ricotta. Serve 2 warm slices per person with the green salad on the side.
• Set a large sieve over a deep bowl. Dampen 2 layers of cheesecloth with water and line the sieve with the cheesecloth.
• Pour the milk and cream into a stainless-steel or enameled pot such as Le Creuset. Stir in the salt. Bring to a full boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and stir in the vinegar. Allow the mixture to stand for 1 minute until it curdles. It will separate into thick parts (the curds) and milky parts (the whey).
• Pour the mixture into the cheesecloth-lined sieve and allow it to drain into the bowl at room temperature for 20 to 25 minutes, occasionally discarding the liquid that collects in the bowl. The longer you let the mixture drain, the thicker the ricotta. (I tend to like mine on the thicker side, but some prefer it moister.) Transfer the ricotta to a bowl, discarding the cheesecloth and any remaining whey. Use immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The ricotta will keep refrigerated for 4 to 5 days.
• Place the salad greens in a large bowl.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour enough dressing on the salad to moisten. Toss and serve.

BRUSCHETTA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Slice the baguette at an angle 1/2-inch-thick. Brush both sides of the bread with olive oil and sprinkle one side with salt and pepper. Bake for 10 minutes, until lightly toasted.

HERBED CHICKPEAS

Steps:

• Place chickpeas in a large skillet or Dutch oven and add garlic and oil; season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until chickpeas are crisped and some have split open (these will be the most delicious ones), 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in herbs.

HERBED CHICKPEA BRUSCHETTA

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 350°. In a medium Dutch oven, combine the soaked chickpeas with the 10 whole garlic cloves, the pancetta, onion, carrot, celery, sage, rosemary sprig, bay leaf, chile, salt, 1/4 cup of the olive oil and 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat and stir. Cover and bake for about 2 hours, until the chickpeas are tender. Remove from the oven, uncover and let the chickpeas cool in the liquid for 1 hour. 2. Meanwhile, lightly brush the baguette slices with olive oil and arrange on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until lightly toasted, about 15 minutes. Rub the cut halves of garlic on one side of each toast. 3. Drain the chickpeas, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid; discard all the aromatics except the garlic. Transfer the chickpeas and garlic to a blender. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of olive oil and the reserved cooking liquid and puree until smooth. 4. Arrange the toasts on a platter. Dollop the chickpea puree on top and use a small spoon to form a little well in each dollop. Drizzle the bruschetta with olive oil, sprinkle with the chopped rosemary, minced thyme and sea salt and serve. MAKE AHEAD The chickpea puree can be refrigerated for 1 week. Rewarm before serving.

CLASSIC ITALIAN BRUSCHETTA WITH FRESH HERBS

Steps:

• Combine tomatoes and 1/2 cup fresh basil in a colander, sprinkle with salt and toss to coat; let drain 1 hour.
• Preheat oven to 375°F
• In a large bowl combine the drained tomato/basil mixture with the minced garlic, 1/4 cup olive oil, remaining 1/4 fresh basil, oregano and thyme.
• Let stand at room temperature 15 to 20 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
• During this time brush French bread slices lightly with the remaining olive oil.
• Toast "lightly" in the oven (just a few minutes).
• Pull out and place a small amount of tomato mixture on top of the lightly toasted French bread slices.
• Top each piece with a small amount of Mozzarella.
• Toast in the oven until cheese has melted and its golden brown.
• Serve and enjoy.

HERBED QUINOA AND CHICKPEA PILAF

Steps:

• Combine oil, Recaito, quinoa, orange juice, salt and 3/4 cup water to boil. Simmer covered over medium-low heat, until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender, 20 minutes. Stir in chick peas. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Stir in mint, parsley and hazelnuts.