Tomatoes with Sicilian White Bean Purée
James Carrier
For a casual first course, Roxanne Chan tops fresh tomatoes with a savory bean mixture. Mash the beans into a chunky purée with a potato masher or pulse a few times in a food processor.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
In a 6- to 8-inch frying pan over medium heat, stir pine nuts often until golden, 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 2
2
In a bowl, mix mashed beans, basil, mayonnaise, parmesan, lemon juice, capers, currants, green onion, and garlic until well blended. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3
3
Arrange tomato slices, overlapping, on a platter. Spoon bean mixture down the center of tomatoes. Sprinkle with pine nuts.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons pine nuts
1 can (15 oz.) cannellini (white) beans, rinsed, drained, and mashed (see note above)
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon drained capers
1 tablespoon dried currants
1 tablespoon minced green onion (including green top)
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
Salt and pepper
3 firm-ripe tomatoes (about 1 3/4 lbs. total), rinsed, cored, and sliced crosswise 1/4 inch thick
Directions
Step 1
1
In a 6- to 8-inch frying pan over medium heat, stir pine nuts often until golden, 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 2
2
In a bowl, mix mashed beans, basil, mayonnaise, parmesan, lemon juice, capers, currants, green onion, and garlic until well blended. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3
3
Arrange tomato slices, overlapping, on a platter. Spoon bean mixture down the center of tomatoes. Sprinkle with pine nuts.
