(Above): Bruschetta [Amar D. Gupta/Siliconeer]

From Italy, here’s a veggie hors d’oeuvre, that’s a hit with all ages and a great way to start a party feast, writes Rashmi Bajoria.

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf garlic bread, (French baguette may also be used)
  • 6 medium size Roma tomatoes
  • 1 medium size red onion
  • 6-8 basil leaves
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese
  • salt to taste
  • crushed black pepper to taste

Method:

Finely chop the tomatoes removing the seeds. Chop onion and basil into small pieces. Mix the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside for topping the garlic bread once that is ready.

Cut garlic bread (baguette) diagonally into approx 1 cm slices. Put olive oil on one side of each slice. Put bread slices in oven for 7-10 mins in 350 degrees heat (or until golden brown).

Place some tomato serving on each slice of bread with olive oil side up.

Garnish the bruschetta with Parmesan cheese sprinkle.

Cook time 15-20 mins
Serves 6-8.

Rashmi Bajoria is a practicing dentist in the San Francisco Bay Area.