Tuscan Sun-Kissed Tomato & White Bean Crostini
A rustic, heart-healthy twist on a classic Italian appetizer. This recipe layers a sun-ripened tomato and herb topping over a creamy, savory white bean spread on a hearty whole-wheat sourdough base. It’s a celebration of simple, vibrant ingredients, perfectly balanced for flavor and nutrition.
Servings 16
Calories 152kcal
Equipment
- Large baking sheet or grill pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Mini food processor or bowl for mashing
- Silicone pastry brush
- Slotted spoon
Ingredients
- 1 large whole-wheat sourdough baguette approx. 400 g, sliced into 16 half-inch rounds
- 7 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil divided (3 tbsp for bread, 1 tbsp for bean base, 2 tbsp for topping, 1 tbsp final drizzle)
- 3 medium garlic cloves divided
- 1 15-oz can low-sodium cannellini beans, rinsed and well drained
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 lbs ripe Roma tomatoes finely diced
- ½ cup packed fresh basil leaves thinly sliced
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- ¼ cup pitted Kalamata olives finely chopped
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- Zest of ½ lemon
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Small pinch flaky sea salt for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat broiler to high with rack 6 in/15 cm from heat (or heat a grill pan over medium-high). Arrange bread on a baking sheet and brush both sides with 3 tbsp oil. Broil/grill 2–3 min per side until golden and crisp at the edges.
- Rub the warm toasts on one side with 1 peeled garlic clove; set aside.
- Bean base: In a mini food processor, pulse beans, lemon juice, 1 tbsp oil, and remaining 2 minced garlic cloves to a thick, rustic purée. Season with black pepper.
- Tomato topping: In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, basil, red onion, olives, balsamic, and lemon zest. Drizzle with 2 tbsp oil and gently stir. Rest 10 min; if very juicy, drain briefly in a colander.
- Spread a thin layer of bean purée on each toast.
- Using a slotted spoon, top with tomato mixture.
- Drizzle evenly with the remaining 1 tbsp oil, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Why Whole-Wheat Sourdough? This choice is intentional. The whole wheat provides essential dietary fiber, while the sourdough fermentation process can make nutrients more bioavailable and is often easier to digest.
- Flavor without the Salt: Notice we don't add salt to the tomato mix. The rinsed Kalamata olives provide a perfect briny, savory element that seasons the topping beautifully without overloading it with sodium.
- Don't Skip the Garlic Rub: This simple, classic Italian technique is a game-changer. It imparts a gentle, fragrant garlic essence into the bread that is much more nuanced than using garlic powder or adding it raw to the topping.
Calories: 152 kcal; Total Fat: 6.6 g; Saturated Fat: 0.9 g; Sodium: 168 mg; Total Carbohydrates: 18.4 g; Dietary Fiber: 2.7 g; Total Sugars: 2.2 g (0 g added sugar); Protein: 3.7 g