Italian Bruschetta

From my gourmet kitchen, I present to you my very first recipe, which is an Italian antipasti (starters). An original Italian Bruschetta is a toasted crusty bread, rubbed with garlic and topped with chopped tomatoes and fresh garden basil (tulsi). As I am an Indian and my taste buds cannot handle bland food, I customized the recipe to my own taste. And did I tell you, its a healthy eating option as well. ;)

Serves : 4

Ingredients

• 1 Loaf of Pane Toscano(for traditional bruschettas) (if not, try with any thick crusted bread)
• 6-7 Ripe tomatoes (finely chopped)
• 1 Red onion (medium - finely chopped)
• 3-4 Cloves of garlic (minced)
• 1/2 Capsicum (finely chopped) (optional)
• 2 tbsp of Extra Virgin olive oil
• 6-7 Fresh Basil leaves
• 2-3 Strands of coriander leaves (chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Mozzarella cheese (Shredded) (completely optional)

Instructions

1. 
   

1) Cut the Bread into thick slices.

2) Mix the tomatoes, onion, garlic, capsicum, basil and coriander leaves together in a bowl.

3) Add one tbsp of EV Olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.

Option 1 (Traditional Method)

1) Cover the mixture and let it rest in the refrigerator for 15 - 30 min.

2) Meanwhile, turn on the oven to 450F to preheat.

3) Coat one side of each bread slice with olive oil.

4) Place the bread slices on a cooking sheet, olive oil side down. and toast them for 5-6 min in the oven.

5) Take out the bread slices and place them on the serving dish, olive oil side up.

6) Spoon the cold tomato mixture on top of these warm bread slices and serve.

Option 2 (Love and Calories Way)

1) Turn on the oven to 450F to preheat.

2) Coat one side of each bread slice with olive oil and spoon the tomato mixture on it.

3) Place the bread slices on a cooking sheet.

4) Top all the Bread slices with a little amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. The mixture should be covered with cheese.

5) Toast the bread slices for 5-6 min or till the cheese melts.

6) Voila! Serve Hot.