Lentil Crostini

Name: Lentil Crostini
Yield: serves 6
Ingredients: 1 cup small lentils, preferably lenticchie di Castelluccio (see Sources, page 387); 2 medium stalks celery, with leaves, finely chopped (about 1 cup); 2 bay leaves, preferably fresh; 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling; 2 plump garlic cloves, peeled and sliced; 1 cup chopped onion; 1/4 teaspoon peperoncino flakes, or to taste; 2 cups canned Italian plum tomatoes, preferably San Marzano, crushed by hand; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 12 slices Italian bread; A heavy-bottomed saucepan, 3-to-4-quart capacity, with a cover; a large heavy skillet or sauté pan

December 9, 2011

This savory, thick lentil spread is a great topping for a crostino, especially when made with tiny, firm lenticchie di Castelluccio, which give the mouth-feel of caviar. It can also serve as a fine side dish for any grilled meat, or as the base for risotto or soup. Then again, with the addition of crumbled sausage, it would make a great pasta sauce. So get creative: make a double batch of the lentil topping here, and have fun with all the leftovers.

Recipe notes

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.