Easy Finger Food: Toast Bruschetta with Fresh Salsa
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Discover a simple yet delicious bruschetta recipe using everyday bread slices! This dish features a vibrant, fresh salsa made with crisp vegetables, piled high on perfectly toasted bread. The delightful contrast between the crunchy exterior and soft interior of the bread creates a satisfying bite. Enjoy it as a quick snack, a sophisticated appetizer with wine, or even as a vibrant topping for salads, perhaps with a sprinkle of cheese for extra richness. Transform leftover bread into an elegant and flavorful treat. Let’s get started!
Fresh Salsa Ingredients
- 12 cherry tomatoes, deseeded and finely diced
- 1 small onion, very finely minced
- 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and very finely diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, deseeded and very finely diced
- 80g chicory, chopped into 2-3 cm pieces
- 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp garlic herb salt
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
Bruschetta Assembly Ingredients
- 2 slices of bread (thick-cut bread recommended)
- 8 tbsp prepared salsa
- 2 slices of bread (thick-cut bread recommended)
- 8 tbsp prepared salsa
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the chicory. Wash it thoroughly, pat it dry, and chop it into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm long. Avoid chopping too finely to retain a pleasant texture and slight crunch.
Step 2
Next, prepare the cherry tomatoes. Remove their stems, halve them, scoop out the seeds, and then finely dice them into approximately 0.5 cm pieces. Removing the seeds prevents the salsa from becoming watery, ensuring a clean flavor.
Step 3
Peel and finely mince the onion. Aim for a size similar to the diced bell peppers for a harmonious blend of flavors. If you find raw onion too pungent, you can soak the minced onion in cold water for about 10 minutes and then drain it well before adding.
Step 4
Wash the red and yellow bell peppers, remove the seeds and membranes, and dice them very finely, around 0.5 cm. The variety of colors will make your bruschetta visually appealing and add depth to the taste.
Step 5
Combine all the prepared vegetables in a large bowl. Add the seasonings: freshly ground black pepper, garlic herb salt, and dried basil. Drizzle generously with 5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and add 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice for brightness. If you prefer a hint of sweetness, stir in 1 teaspoon of honey.
Step 6
Gently mix all the ingredients together with a spoon or spatula until well combined. Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or lemon juice to your preference. Your fresh and flavorful salsa is now ready! For best results, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 7
Now, let’s toast the bread. Cut each slice of bread into four equal pieces, making a total of eight small squares. Heat a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Place the bread pieces in the skillet without any oil and toast them until golden brown and crisp on both sides. You can also use a toaster or oven. The goal is a bread that is crisp on the outside but still slightly tender inside.
Step 8
Arrange the toasted bread pieces attractively on a serving plate. Generously spoon the prepared salsa over each piece of toast. Your incredibly simple toast bruschetta is ready! While traditional bruschetta is made with baguette, this toast version offers a delightful crunchy-yet-tender texture that is equally delicious. It’s perfect as a delightful snack or an elegant wine accompaniment. Enjoy this simple yet impressive creation!
