Maltese Bruschetta

Ingredients

• 4 thick slices of Maltese bread 4 thick slices of Maltese bread
• 2 ripe tomatoes, diced 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 2 cloves of roasted garlic 2 cloves of roasted garlic
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 23g, 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Place the slices of Maltese bread on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
3. 3.
   Remove the bread from the oven and rub each slice with a roasted garlic clove.
4. 4.
   In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
5. 5.
   Spoon the tomato mixture over the garlic-rubbed bread slices, spreading it evenly.
6. 6.
   Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
7. 7.
   Serve immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Maltese bread — If you can't find Maltese bread, you can use a crusty Italian or French bread as a substitute. The key is to choose a bread with a thick crust and a soft interior.
• Roasted garlic — To roast garlic, cut off the top of a whole garlic bulb, drizzle it with olive oil, wrap it in foil, and bake it in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese or a few slices of fresh mozzarella on top of the tomato mixture.
• If you prefer a spicier version, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato mixture.
• To make it a heartier meal, you can top the bruschetta with slices of grilled chicken or shrimp.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of the dish.
• Serve the bruschetta with a side of olives or pickled vegetables for a complete Mediterranean experience.

Serving advice

Serve the Maltese Bruschetta as an appetizer at a dinner party or as a light lunch option. It pairs well with a crisp white wine or a refreshing lemonade.

Presentation advice

Arrange the bruschetta slices on a wooden board or a platter, garnished with fresh basil or parsley. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top for an elegant touch.