Crispy Pancetta Crostini with Arugula-Lemon Pesto
- Level: Easy
- Total: 35 min
- Active: 25 min
- Yield: 12 crostini
Ingredients
1/4 cup pine nuts
12 very thin slices pancetta (about 3 ounces)
1/2 small garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
2 cups loosely packed arugula
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
2 teaspoons lemon juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
12 slices baguette, lightly toasted
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Toast the pine nuts in a saute pan over medium-high heat until golden in spots, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and reserve.
Arrange the pancetta in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until golden brown and crisp, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to cool.
Combine the toasted pine nuts, garlic and Parmesan in a food processor; pulse to finely chop. Add the arugula and continue to pulse until finely chopped. With the motor running, slowly add the olive oil; process until incorporated. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper, and pulse to combine.
Spoon a nice dollop of pesto onto each slice of baguette, top with a pancetta crisp and serve.
Cook’s Note
Any remaining pesto can be kept refrigerated for up to 2 days in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly to the surface of the pesto.
