Goat Cheese Crostini with Spring Pea Puree

Created by Chef Liam LaCivita, this spring pea puree pairs beautifully with fresh chèvre or cabecou, a soft goat cheese from southern France, and a glass of crisp Sancerre.

 

Goat Cheese Crostini with Spring Pea Puree

 

2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 small yellow onion, diced

1 tsp. sliced garlic

3 cups shelled English peas, blanched

1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves

1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

1 large handful of fresh baby spinach leaves (about 2 1/2 oz.)

1 1/2 cups Sauvignon Blanc

Sea salt, to taste

Fresh goat cheese for serving

Crostini for serving

 

In a large sauté pan over medium heat, warm 1 Tbs. of the olive oil. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic, peas, thyme and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Increase the heat to high, add the wine and bring to a simmer, then simmer for 1 minute. Stir in the remaining 1 Tbs. olive oil and remove from the heat.

 

Carefully transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. Adjust the seasoning with salt. Serve the pea puree at room temperature or slightly chilled. To serve, spread goat cheese on crostini and top with a dollop of pea puree. Makes about 3 1/4 cups puree.