Fava Bean Toasts: Bruschetta con le Fave

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound shucked fava beans
• 4 tablespoons plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 8 slices Italian round peasant bread
• 1/2 bulb wild fennel, finely chopped

Directions

Bring 6 quarts of water to a boil and add 2 tablespoons salt. Cook the fava beans in the boiling water until very tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and refresh in and ice bath. Drain again on paper towels, then peel the beans. Place the beans in the bowl of a food processor and pulse, drizzling in 4 tablespoons olive oil to make a smooth puree. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat the remaining oil over medium heat for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and slices of bread, a few at a time, and fry in the oil until browned on both sides. Remove the bread, spread with the fava puree, sprinkle with the chopped fennel and serve.