Trendy Toasts

“Toasts” featuring all types of summer produce, hummus spreads, and herb and nut pestos have become a very popular food trend in restaurants. Become a “foodie” in your kitchen by recreating two “toasts” in your own kitchen!

Nutrition Spotlight

• Kale is one of the healthiest vegetables on the planet. Only 33 calories per cup, this super-nutritious leafy green may provide significant health benefits, including cancer protection and lowered cholesterol.
• Cashews are packed with nutrients that promote heart health, digestion, and healthy brain functioning. When purchasing cashews, be sure to look for unsalted versions to control sodium intake!
• Chickpeas are an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber!  Fiber-rich foods help control blood sugar levels and can reduce your cholesterol levels naturally.
• Adding herbs/spices in place of salt adds tons of flavor with little to no sugars, sodium, or calories.

Key Techniques & Helpful Hints

• Chickpeas or Garbanzo Beans are a popular base for savory hummus, the garbanzo bean’s natural flavor profile makes it a perfectly sneaky way to add some healthy goodness to many desserts, such as cakes, muffins, and cookies.
• The provided recipes for Pesto and Hummus are great to add to your cookbook! Use the guidelines to get creative and switch the herb, grain or cheese when making pesto again. The same switch can be made in the hummus recipe!
• When preparing the hummus, it is important to note to not fill more than 3/4 full the blender or food processor bowl, make in batches so that machine can process properly. Stop and scrap the hummus as necessary. Do not add additional water, the hummus should be as thick as possible and as smooth as possible.
• Sumac, a staple spice in Middle Eastern cooking, has a characteristic flavor that resembles vinegar or lemon. This great fruity-tart flavor complements the light, refreshing cucumber. Due to its acidic profile, sumac can also be used as a salt substitute.
• These recipes can also double as a great appetizer for a party! Simply use a baguette in place of the sliced bread and reduce the amount of toppings!

Ingredients

Kale Cashew Pesto, Mozzarella, Grated Carrot Toast

For the Kale Cashew Pesto:

• 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil
• 1/8 cup kale leaves, stems removed
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons unsalted cashew halves
• 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
• 1/8 teaspoon harissa paste, purchased
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil

For the Toast:

• 1 slice whole wheat bread, 1”
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 slices fresh mozzarella (about 1/4 ounce each)
• 1 tablespoon fresh grated carrots
• 1 teaspoon unsalted cashew halves
• 1/4 teaspoon shredded parmesan cheese

Hummus Toast with Sumac Cucumber Relish For the Classic Hummus

• 2 cans drained, rinsed garbanzo beans
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/4 cup tahini paste
• 1 teaspoon chopped garlic cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup water

For the Sumac Cucumber Relish:

• 1/3 cup fresh diced cucumber
• 1 teaspoon raw red onion
• 2 teaspoons fresh chopped mint
• 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground sumac
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Toast:

• 1 slice whole wheat bread, 1”
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Directions

Kale Cashew Pesto, Mozzarella, Grated Carrot Toast

• For the Kale Cashew Pesto: Combine all ingredients in the base of a food processor and blend until all ingredients are fully incorporated and mixture is smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• For the Toast: Brush both sides of the bread with olive oil and grill on a hot grill, griddle or sauté pan until toasted. On the warm toast, spread 2 tablespoons of pesto and place 2 slices mozzarella cheese on top. Finish the toast with 1 tablespoon of grated carrots, 1 teaspoon toasted cashews, and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon parmesan cheese.

Hummus Toast with Sumac Cucumber Relish For the Classic Hummus:

• For the Classic Hummus: In a food processor or high powered blender (such as vitamix) place liquid ingredients first and then the remaining ingredients. Puree until very smooth, about 5 minutes.
• For the Sumac Cucumber Relish: Combine all ingredients into a medium mixing bowl, mix well. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to marinate.
• For the Toast: Brush both sides of the bread with olive oil and grill on a hot grill, griddle or sauté pan until toasted. On the warm toast, spread 2 tablespoons of hummus and place 2 tablespoons cucumber relish on top.

Check out more recipes on our blog!