The Most Irresistible Spicy Crostini
 
Prep time
Total time
 
A delicious, spicy spread for crostini.
Recipe type: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 25 crostini
Ingredients
  • 2 large slices of dense country-style bread cut 1” thick, crusts removed
  • 3 TBSP. red wine vinegar
  • 6 anchovy fillets in oil, drained (or use anchovy paste)
  • 3 TBSP. flat-leaf parsley
  • 3 medium cloves garlic, roughly chopped
  • ¾ cup pine nuts, toasted in a skillet until golden brown
  • 4 tsp. small capers, rinsed and drained
  • 4½ hard-cooked egg yolks
  • 12 large green olives, pitted
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • --- fine sea salt & freshly ground pepper
  • 1 loaf of good-quality Italian baguette cut into ½” thick slices.
  • --- extra virgin olive oil for the bread
Instructions
  1. Set the two bread slices on a plate, drizzle the vinegar over them and leave for 15 minutes. If the slices are too big, add another tablespoon of vinegar. Squeeze the bread with your hands to remove any excess vinegar, if there is any.
  2. Place the bread in a food processor, equipped with the steel blade. Add the anchovies (I used anchovy paste, which I always have in my fridge), parsley, garlic, pine nuts (save 1 TBSP. for topping), small capers, egg yolks, green olives, ½ cup olive oil, salt and pepper. Process everything to a fine paste. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Cover and let it sit for 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  4. Brush the bread slices with olive oil and set them on a baking pan. Bake until lightly browned on both sides, turning once, about 8 - 10 minutes. You could also set the baking pan under a heated broiler and broil until lightly browned on both sides. If the weather permits, use the grill for even more delicious crostini.
  5. Spread the mixture over the warm crostini, sprinkle some extra toasted pine nuts and serve. Alternatively, place the mixture in a serving bowl and let the guests help themselves.
Notes
This spread can be stored in the fridge for up to one week.
Recipe by Marilena's Kitchen at https://marilenaskitchen.com/the-most-irresistible-spicy-crostini/