Sunday, July 11, 2010

Bruschetta with Tomato & Avocado


Bruschetta with Tomato & Avocado

Ingredients

• 1/2 loaf whole-grain French, or other thin loaf bread
• 3 Tbsp / 45 ml extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 cup / 240 ml fresh tomatoes, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, passed through a garlic press
• 1/2 tsp / 5 ml sea salt
• 1/2 tsp / 5 ml freshly ground black pepper
• 1 handful fresh arugula leaves, finely chopped
• 1 handful fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
• 1 Tbsp best quality balsamic vinegar
• 2 fresh avocados
• Juice of 1/2 fresh lemon

Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 375º F / 190 ºC. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice bread into thin, 1/2-inch slices on the diagonal. Arrange slices on baking sheet. Don’t overlap. Use another baking sheet if necessary.
3. Use a baking brush to lightly coat each piece of bread with olive oil. Bake for several minutes or until lightly toasted. Remove from oven. Set aside.
4. In a medium-sized oven-safe mixing bowl combine tomato, remaining olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Place in hot oven and bake for 10 minutes or until tomatoes are soft. Remove from heat.
5. Transfer cooked tomatoes to new mixing bowl. Add chopped arugula, basil and balsamic vinegar. Mix gently to combine. Set aside.
6. Peel avocados. Cut in half and remove pits. Dice avocado and toss with lemon juice.
7. Top each piece of bread with tomato mixture. Top with avocado. Serve.