This is a very healthy antipasto spread for burschette or crostini. It is also a delicious spread with carrots or celery for a light lunch or snack. It's perfect for picnics because it is served at room temperature. If you don't have pine nuts (pignoli), substitute walnuts.
2 medium eggplants, peeled and chopped
2 red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
½ large sweet onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, cut in half
3 T extra-light olive oil or avocado oil
½ t red pepper flakes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
½ cup pine nuts (pignoli) or walnuts
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
5 to 6 large basil leaves
1 (14 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained in a mesh colander
3 T chopped Italian parsley
2 T extra-virgin olive oil
2 T finely chopped fresh basil, for garnish
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Toss the eggplants, bell peppers and onion in a bowl with the garlic, oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 30 to 35 minutes (save the bowl to use later). Stir once during roasting.
Meanwhile, lightly brown the nuts in a dry skillet. Do not walk because they burn easily.
When the eggplant mixture and nuts are cool, transfer them to a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, basil, and beans and pulse until the mixture is uniform but still slightly chunky. Spoon into the bowl and stir in the Italian parsley and extra-virgin olive oil.
Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with the chopped basil and serve with bruschette, crostini, or vegetables.
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