Broad beans, mint and Pecorino

Name: Broad beans, mint and Pecorino
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4

Main Serves 4 30 min

This bruschetta is good to make early in the broad bean season, while they're still small and tender and really to be savoured. Double-podding the beans is worth it in this recipe; put on a good tune, find a companion or pod in contemplative silence. You could also spread the toast with a little ricotta before piling on the broad beans.

Ingredients

300g broad beans, podded weight
1 tbsp Pecorino or Parmesan, grated, plus extra to serve
small bunch mint leaves, finely chopped
1 tbsp olive oil, plus a little extra for drizzling
a few slivers of wet garlic (optional)
4 slices sourdough, ciabatta or baguette
salt and pepper

Method

Prep time: 20 min

Cooking time: 10 min

Step 1
In a large pan of boiling salted water, cook the beans for about 3-4 minutes, until just tender.
Step 2
Drain and refresh in a bowl of cold water. Peel off the outer skins and discard. Put the beans in a bowl and crush lightly with a fork. Add the grated cheese, mint and olive oil. Season to taste.
Step 3
Place on a baking tray and sprinkle with a few slivers of wet garlic stalk. Drizzle the bread with olive oil and grill for a few minutes.
Step 4
Top with the broad bean mixture, drizzle over a little more oil and a sprinkling of extra grated cheese.