Vegan Cauliflower-Cashew Crostini With Tapenade

Jackie Sobon

Vegan Cauliflower-Cashew Crostini With Tapenade

These simple crostinis have a portabello tapenade that can’t be beat.

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Serves: 16
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It’s always a good time for these simple crostini. Developed by longtime VegNews contributor Jackie Sobon of Vegan Yack Attack fame, we make these pretty appetizers year-round. 

What you need:

For the cauli-cashew cream:
1 cup steamed cauliflower florets
½ cup raw cashews, soaked overnight
2 tablespoons water
1-½ tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
⅛ teaspoon white pepper
⅛ teaspoon salt

For the portabello tapenade:
1 cup pitted Kalamata olives
⅓ cup chopped portabello mushrooms
1 garlic clove
2 teaspoons capers
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the crostini:
1 narrow baguette, cut into 16 ⅜-inch thick slices
3 tablespoons chiffonade-cut fresh basil, for garnish
Balsamic vinegar for serving (optional)

What you do:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. For the cauli-cashew cream, in a food processor, add all ingredients and purée until completely smooth. Set aside or refrigerate to thicken slightly.
  2. For the portabello tapenade, in a food processor, place all ingredients and pulse until minced.
  3. For the crostini, on a baking sheet, bake baguette 5 minutes until slightly toasted.
  4. To assemble crostini, spoon about 2 teaspoons cauli-cashew cream on each slice of bread. Top with teaspoon tapenade and a few pieces of basil for garnish. Serve at room temperature with a side of balsamic vinegar.
For more vegan appetizer recipes, read:

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