Grilled Crab and Pea Crostini with Tarragon
Toasted baguette slices topped with creamy brown crabmeat and a bright pea puree infused with fresh tarragon, lemon zest and juice. Finished with pea shoots and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant appetizer or light starter with fresh, coastal flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 ⅜ oz g fresh or frozen peas
- A small baguette
- olive oil, to drizzle
- 1 ¾ oz g white crabmeatcooked shrimp1:1crustaceanshellfishpescatarian
mild seafood alternative
- ½ tsp chopped fresh tarragon
- ½ lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 ¾ oz g brown crabmeat
- 4 -5 tbsp crème fraîchesour cream1:1dairyvegetarianadds dairy
tangier flavor, slightly thinner consistency
- Pea shoots, lemon zest and olive oil to servemicrogreens1:1vegetarianvegan
different visual presentation, similar freshness
Instructions
- 1
Cook the peas in boiling water until just tender, drain, cool under cold water, and drain again.
- 2
Slice the baguette, place on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.
- 3
Grill the baguette slices on each side, then set aside to cool.
- 4
Mash the cooled peas with a fork, mix in white crabmeat, tarragon, lemon zest and juice, and season with black pepper, salt, and additional pepper and lemon juice to taste.
- 5
Mix brown crabmeat with crème fraîche in a separate bowl.
- 6
Spread the brown crabmeat mixture over each toast, then top with the pea mixture.
- 7
Scatter pea shoots and grated lemon zest over top, drizzle with olive oil, and serve.
Tips
Cool peas quickly under cold running water to stop cooking and preserve their bright color and tender texture.
Taste the pea mixture as you season; lemon juice and pepper can vary in intensity based on preference.
Good to Know
Assembled crostini are best served immediately. Pea puree and crab mixtures can be refrigerated separately in airtight containers for up to 1 day.
Prepare pea puree and brown crabmeat mixture up to 1 day ahead. Toast baguette slices up to 4 hours ahead and store in an airtight container. Assemble just before serving.
Serve immediately after assembly as an appetizer or light course. Pairs well with crisp white wine or sparkling beverages.
Common Mistakes
Cook peas for exactly 4 minutes to avoid overcooking and losing their tender texture.
Cool peas immediately under cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve color.
Taste the pea mixture throughout seasoning to avoid over-salting or over-lemonizing.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
different visual presentation, similar freshness
General Alternatives
mild seafood alternative