To start, you will need to pick up a few key ingredients. First, you’ll need a large eggplant. Look for one that is firm and glossy, with smooth skin and no blemishes. You’ll also need a fresh baguette, some extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. For the hummus, you can either make your own or purchase pre-made hummus from the store. If you make it yourself, you’ll need chickpeas, tahini paste, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt.
Begin by slicing the eggplant into thin rounds, about a quarter-inch thick. Brush each slice with a generous amount of olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, and grill the eggplant slices for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are tender and have nice grill marks.
While the eggplant is grilling, slice your baguette into thin rounds, and brush each slice with olive oil. Toast the bread in the oven or on a grill pan until it is golden brown and crispy on both sides. Once the eggplant is done, set it aside to cool for a few minutes.
Next, prepare your hummus. If you’re making it from scratch, simply combine all of the ingredients in a food processor, and blend until smooth. Add more lemon juice or olive oil if needed, to achieve the desired consistency. If you’re using pre-made hummus, simply give it a quick stir to fluff it up.
Now it’s time to assemble your crostini! Take each slice of toasted bread, and top it with a generous dollop of hummus. Place a grilled eggplant slice on top of the hummus, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs, such as parsley or basil. Repeat with the remaining bread slices and eggplant.
And there you have it – a delicious and sophisticated appetizer that is sure to impress your guests! Eggplant crostini is perfect for fancy dinner parties, casual get-togethers, or even as a light lunch or snack. The combination of crispy bread, creamy hummus, and savory grilled eggplant is irresistible, and is sure to leave your taste buds wanting more.
So next time you’re in need of a crowd-pleasing appetizer, give eggplant crostini a try. With its easy-to-follow recipe and simple yet elegant presentation, it’s sure to become a staple in your entertaining repertoire.