Broad Bean Bruschetta with Mozzarella and Basil (Serves 14)

12:50pm Wednesday 11th June 2008

GARLICKY griddled bread topped with crushed broad beans and milky mozzarella, make a great appetiser to kick-start a summer barbecue.

Preparation time : 30 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients
500g fresh broad beans, podded 1 tbsp Waitrose Lemon Infused Olive Oil
x 20g pack fresh mint, chopped
x 25g pack fresh basil, chopped
1 Waitrose Petite Parisienne, from the loose bread section
1 clove garlic
125g pack Garofalo Bella Organic Buffalo Mozzarella, drained and roughly torn
Extra basil leaves and olive oil, to serve <> Method
Cook the broad beans in lightly salted boiling water for 2-3 minutes, until just tender. Drain well, refresh in cold water and drain again. Slip each bean out of its grey skin and into a large bowl - you should end up with about 300g of bright emerald green beans.

Lightly crush the beans with a fork, or place in a food processor and pulse lightly, taking care not to over process them as you want to retain some texture.

Stir in the lemon-infused oil and herbs.

Cut the bread into 14 x 2.5cm thick slices on the diagonal. Toast the bread on both sides, preferably in a griddle pan to create griddle marks, or on the barbecue. Rub the toast with the garlic clove. Scoop some of the broad bean mixture on top of each piece of toast.

Top with the torn mozzarella, garnish with a basil leaf and drizzle with a little more olive oil if desired. Serve with a sprinkling of freshly ground black pepper.

Cook's tips
Double podding the beans leaves the really sweet, tender part of the bean. Click here for a guide to double podding. You could substitute the fresh broad beans for frozen - just cook for 3-4 minutes. The broad bean mixture can be prepared in advance. Keep in the fridge and assemble just before serving.

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