Two 1-lb eggplants, sliced lengthwise 1/2 inch thick
6 small Italian frying peppers or Cubanelle peppers
2 large beefsteak tomatoes (1 lb each), sliced crosswise 1/2 inch thick
2 dozen marinated bocconcini (about 3/4 lb)
Grilled country bread, for serving
4 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise 1/4 inch thick
One 19-oz can cannellini beans, drained & rinsed
2 tbsps extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
Salt & freshly ground pepper
Directions
Step #1 In a food processor/blender, mix the beans with the garlic, lemon juice & 2 tbsps of the olive oil.
Step #2 Process until smooth, then scrape into a bowl.
Step #3 Fold in the basil & season this with salt & pepper.
Step #4 Light a grill.
Step #5 Brush the peppers & the zucchini & eggplant slices with olive oil & season this with salt & pepper.
Step #6 Wrap an anchovy fillet around each of the bocconcini & thread the balls onto six 8-inch skewers.
Step #7 Grill the peppers & the sliced zucchini & eggplants over a medium-hot fire until lightly charred & tender, about 2 mins per side for the zucchini & 4 mins per side for the peppers & eggplant.
Step #8 Transfer to a large platter & spread the bean dip on the zucchini & eggplant slices.
Step #9 Lightly brush the tomato slices with olive oil & season this with salt & pepper.
Step #10 Grill until tender, about 1 min per side.
Step #11 Transfer the tomatoes to the platter.
Step #12 Lightly oil the grate.
Step #13 Grill the skewered bocconcini for 1 min, turning once, or just until beginning to melt; transfer the skewers to the platter.
Step #14 Serve the antipasto with the remaining white bean dip & the grilled bread.
Step #15 Make Ahead: The white bean dip can be covered & put in the fridged overnight.
Step #16 Wine Recommendation: A food-friendly Sauvignon Blanc with herbal overtones & bold acidity will accent the grilled eggplant & garlic & balance the salty anchovies in this dish.
Step #17 Look for an Italian bottling, such as the 2000 Borgo Conventi or 2000 Livio Felluga.
Enjoy the Grilled Antipasto with Garlicky Bean Dip recipe