Rustic Hummus & Kale Crostini
Sometimes it just doesn't get much better than a really good whole wheat loaf of bread. And while it's easy to OD at a party or restaurant with the bread basket lurking nearby, a smartly sliced and donned crostini can be a healthy start to a dinner. This rustic hummus and kale crostini appetizer is winter perfection. I say rustic, because honestly the chickpeas are hand mashed instead of hummus puree perfection. Rustic is a great coverup descriptor for slightly sloppy.
The hearty bread base with a thick chickpea spread and lemon zested kale chiffonade is like a balanced meal in a bite. The whole wheat and kale provide a healthy dose of fiber while the chickpeas give protein-all which will keep you full longer and less likely to circle the appetizer table like a vulture. Instead of relying on a high fat spread (lookin' at you artichoke dip) for flavor, lemon, thyme and a bit of salt add flavor without extra calories.
Rustic Hummus & Kale Crostini
Ingredients:
- whole wheat baguette, sliced on the diagonal
- 1, 15 oz can of chickpeas
- 1 T plus enough to drizzle, olive oil
- fresh thyme
- salt
- pepper
- 1 lemon, juice and zest
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 C raw kale
