I do adore a good flatbread for lazy days (or nights) when pizza isn't really my thing. I love it even more that I can buy a decent one from Trader Joe's or Target and my only job is dreaming up how I want to dress it. This white bean smash idea was out of necessity to use up a half can of beans and spinach stragglers languishing in fridge. (Truly, I am no wizard at using leftovers (#competentrefrigeratororganizersviaPinterest), rather I made a deal with myself to lessen food waste, and so far, it's going basically so-so.
I am proud of this recipe, though. It's really good and I'm already making excuses to make it again.
I used leftover canned beans that had been drained, rinsed, and cooked. You can just as easily open a can and heat them in the micro or pan until warm before smashing.
Notes: Tahini is Trader Joe's.
TAHINI & SMASHED BEAN FLATBREAD
Ingredients: 1 piece flatbread, 1 clove garlic, 1/2 cup cooked white beans like Great Northern, 1/2 cup baby spinach, 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, 1-2 tbsp. tahini, 1 tsp. sesame seeds, 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper.
Makes 1.
1. Preheat the oven to 400*.
2. Peel garlic clove and cut the end off. Rub it over the flatbread, save for another use.
3. Smash the beans with the back of spoon, then spread on the flatbread in an even layer. Salt lightly if you like. Add spinach followed by Parm. Cook in the oven until cheese is melted and just starting to color and bread is hot.
4. Remove and immediately drizzle with tahini and sprinkle over sesame seeds and cayenne pepper. Slice and eat.
Tip: No spinach or just not a fan? Use shredded kale or collard greens.