Italian-inspired Spaghetti Bruschetta

Ingredients

• 200g (7oz) spaghetti 200g (7oz) spaghetti
• 4 slices of crusty bread 4 slices of crusty bread
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 400g (14oz) canned diced tomatoes 400g (14oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 6g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
3. 3.
   Brush the bread slices with olive oil and toast them in the oven until golden brown.
4. 4.
   In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sauté until fragrant and translucent.
5. 5.
   Add the canned diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the pan. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked spaghetti to the tomato sauce and toss until well coated.
7. 7.
   Place a generous portion of the spaghetti mixture on each toasted bread slice.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.
9. 9.
   Serve immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Spaghetti — Cook the spaghetti until al dente to ensure a firm texture that holds up well in the sauce.
• Canned diced tomatoes — Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
• Fresh basil — Tear the basil leaves just before garnishing to release their aromatic oils.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.
• Experiment with different types of bread, such as ciabatta or baguette, to add variety to the dish.
• Customize the dish by adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the tomato sauce.
• Sprinkle some balsamic glaze over the finished dish for a tangy twist.
• Serve with a side of mixed greens dressed in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing accompaniment.

Serving advice

Serve the Spaghetti Bruschetta as a main course for lunch or dinner. Pair it with a side salad or roasted vegetables to create a well-rounded meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Spaghetti Bruschetta on a platter, garnishing each slice with a fresh basil leaf. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for an added touch of elegance. Serve on colorful plates to enhance the visual appeal.