Riganada with a Mediterranean Twist

Ingredients

• 4 slices of rustic bread 4 slices of rustic bread
• 2 large tomatoes, diced 2 large tomatoes, diced
• 1 clove of garlic, minced 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 10 Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped 10 Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• 50g (1.8 oz) feta cheese, crumbled 50g (1.8 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until golden brown and crispy, about 8-10 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, chopped olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Mix well.
4. 4.
   Season the tomato mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Remove the toasted bread from the oven and let it cool slightly.
6. 6.
   Spoon the tomato mixture onto the toasted bread slices, spreading it evenly.
7. 7.
   Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
8. 8.
   Serve immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Feta cheese — Opt for high-quality feta cheese for its creamy texture and tangy taste.
• Rustic bread — Use a hearty bread with a dense crumb to hold up well to the toppings.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the riganada before serving.
• Experiment with different types of olives, such as green olives or a mix of varieties, to add variety to the dish.
• If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, roast the minced garlic in a little olive oil before adding it to the tomato mixture.
• Add a sprinkle of dried oregano or thyme to the tomato mixture for an additional layer of Mediterranean flavor.
• Serve the riganada alongside a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Serving advice

Serve the riganada as an appetizer at a dinner party or as a light lunch alongside a salad. It pairs well with a glass of chilled white wine.

Presentation advice

Arrange the riganada on a platter, garnishing it with a few extra basil leaves for an elegant touch. The vibrant colors of the tomatoes and herbs will make the dish visually appealing.