Pea Bruschetta Recipe (Pea Crostini) Recipe
This Pea Bruschetta Recipe offers a fresh and vibrant twist on the classic Italian appetizer. Featuring a creamy pea topping blended with Parmesan, garlic, and lemon, served on toasted ciabatta slices and garnished with pea shoots and a drizzle of olive oil, it’s a light and flavorful starter perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Pea Topping
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Small handful of pea shoots (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 clove garlic (save the other half for the bruschetta)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Toasting
- 6 slices ciabatta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 clove garlic
For Garnish
- Additional pea shoots
- Fresh Parmesan
- Lemon zest
- Black pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Make the Pea Topping: Place the frozen peas, pea shoots (if using), grated Parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, half a clove of garlic, salt, and pepper into a food processor. Use the pulse button to chop and combine all ingredients until you get a rough paste. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the toast.
- Preheat the Grill or Broiler: Set your oven grill or broiler to high heat to get ready for toasting the bread slices.
- Toast the Bread: Drizzle the ciabatta slices evenly with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Place them under the grill or broiler and toast each side for 2 to 3 minutes until they are crisp and golden brown.
- Garlic Rub on Toast: While the toasted bread is still warm, take the remaining half clove of garlic and lightly rub it over the surface of each slice. This infuses the bread with a subtle garlic flavor.
- Assemble the Bruschetta: Spread a generous layer of the pea topping evenly onto each slice of toasted bread.
- Garnish and Serve: Top each bruschetta with extra grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest, additional pea shoots, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a final crack of black pepper. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Frozen peas work well for this recipe as they retain sweetness and are easy to pulse into a paste.
- Pea shoots are optional but add a fresh, herbal note and visual appeal.
- Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for both the topping and finishing drizzle to enhance flavor.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially because Parmesan can be salty.
- Serve immediately after assembling to keep the bread crisp.
Keywords: pea bruschetta, pea crostini, Italian appetizer, spring appetizer, easy bruschetta recipe, vegetarian starter
