Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/18 checked
6
servings
1 cup

dried white beans

soaked 1 to 4 hours

2 unit

large carrots

peeled and halved

2 unit

celery ribs

halved

16 unit

garlic cloves

0.5 unit

yellow Spanish onion

halved

2 unit

dried whole arbol chiles

0.5 cup

extra-virgin olive oil

2 tbsp

kosher salt

2 tbsp

balsamic vinegar

2 tbsp

extra-virgin olive oil

0.5 tsp

kosher salt

0.5 tsp

freshly ground black pepper

12 unit

radicchio leaves

24 unit

Garlic Crostini

1 unit

finishing-quality extra-virgin olive oil

for drizzling

1 unit

Saba

for drizzling

1 unit

Fresh thyme leaves

1 unit

Fresh coarsely ground black pepper

Step 1
~3 min

Drain the soaked white beans and place them in a large saucepan.

Step 2
~3 min

Add enough water to cover the beans by 1 1/2 inches.

Step 3
~3 min

Prepare a cheesecloth bundle with carrots, celery, garlic cloves, onion, and arbol chiles.

Step 4
~3 min

Tie the bundle closed with kitchen twine.

Step 5
~3 min

Add the cheesecloth bundle to the pot with the beans.

Step 6
~3 min

Stir in 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of kosher salt.

Step 7
~3 min

Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer.

Step 8
~3 min

Continue simmering until the beans are very tender and creamy (1-4 hours), adding water as needed to maintain water level.

Step 9
~3 min

Turn off the heat and let the beans cool slightly in their liquid.

Step 10
~3 min

Remove and discard the cheesecloth bundle, reserving the cooking liquid.

Step 11
~3 min

Transfer the beans to a food processor or blender.

Step 12
~3 min

Puree the beans, adding reserved liquid as needed to achieve a spoonable paste consistency.

Step 13
~3 min

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, if necessary.

Step 14
~3 min

Store the bean puree in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Step 15
~3 min

Bring the beans to room temperature before serving.

Step 16
~3 min

Prepare the radicchio marinade by combining balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a large bowl.

Step 17
~3 min

Add the radicchio leaves and massage the marinade into them.

Step 18
~3 min

Marinate the leaves for at least 15 minutes and up to several hours.

Step 19
~3 min

Preheat a cast-iron or grill pan over high heat.

Step 20
~3 min

Cook the radicchio leaves for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are deep brown and caramelized in places but not crisp.

Step 21
~3 min

To assemble the crostini, lay the Garlic Crostini oiled side up on a work surface.

Step 22
~3 min

Rip each radicchio leaf in half and drape half a leaf on each crostino, leaving bread edges visible.

Step 23
~3 min

Spoon 1 heaping tablespoon of white bean puree on top of the radicchio on each crostino, leaving the radicchio visible around the edges.

Step 24
~3 min

Create a small crater in each serving of white beans.

Step 25
~3 min

Drizzle finishing-quality olive oil into the craters and about 1/2 teaspoon of saba in and around each crater.

Step 26
~3 min

Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 27
~3 min

Serve immediately.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Soaking the beans overnight will reduce cooking time.

Do not overcook the radicchio; it should be slightly bitter and not completely wilted.

Adjust the amount of saba to your liking; it can be quite sweet.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

20 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

The white bean puree can be made up to 3 days in advance.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve as part of an antipasto platter.

Serve with a glass of crisp white wine.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Prosciutto
Olives
Artichoke hearts
Aged Parmesan

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Tuscany, Italy

Cultural Significance

Simple, rustic flavors representing Tuscan cuisine, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Appetizer during family gatherings
Served during wine tastings

Occasion Tags

Party
Appetizer
Wine tasting
Dinner party

Popularity Score

65/100

More Italian Appetizer Recipes

Discover more delicious Italian Appetizer recipes to expand your culinary repertoire

Italian
Easy
A-

Roasted Tomato and Basil Bruschetta

4.1
(1276 reviews)

A simple and delicious Italian appetizer featuring roasted cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil on toasted baguette slices.

30 min
250 cal
Vegetarian
75%
70
Italian
Medium
A

Shrimp Walnut Bruschetta with Cheesy Dip

4.5
(491 reviews)

An Italian-inspired appetizer featuring toasted baguette slices topped with a creamy, cheesy dip, succulent shrimp, crunchy walnuts, and fresh herbs.

60 min
350 cal
Pescatarian
60%
70
Italian
Easy
A-

Cheese Garlic Bread

4.3
(1732 reviews)

Delicious and easy-to-make cheese garlic bread, perfect as an appetizer or side dish.

25 min
250 cal
Vegetarian
85%
75
Italian
Easy
B+

Insalata Caprese

4.3
(931 reviews)

A classic Italian salad featuring fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with olive oil and red wine vinaigrette.

20 min
400 cal
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free
75%
70
Italian
Easy
B+

Bruschetta

4.1
(1912 reviews)

A classic Italian appetizer featuring fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic on toasted bread.

15 min
150 cal
Vegetarian
85%
75
Italian
Medium
B+

Italian Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

4.4
(465 reviews)

Savory stuffed mushrooms filled with Italian sausage, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

30 min
250 cal
Gluten-Free (check sausage)
Keto-Friendly (modified)
75%
70
Italian
Easy
A-

Toasted Bread with Tomatoes

4.3
(583 reviews)

Classic bruschetta recipe with toasted bread, fresh tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

20 min
250 cal
Vegetarian
80%
75
Italian
Easy
B+

Fresh Melon And Fresh Figs And Prosciutto

4.0
(544 reviews)

A refreshing appetizer featuring sweet melon and figs wrapped in savory prosciutto, perfect for summer gatherings.

15 min
75 cal
Gluten-Free
60%
75