Easy Tomato and Basil Bruschetta

Tomato and Basil Bruschetta make great party food and they are so easy to make. They can be prepared in advance and quickly assembled before serving. Healthier than other pastry based party snacks. Happy New Year!

Easy Tomato and Basil Bruschetta

• Makes: 20
• Time:  15 mins hands on time
• Cost:  17p per serving
• Calories:  58 per serving

Ingredients:

• 300g ciabatta loaf
• 500g ripe tomatoes
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped basil
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus extra to drizzle, optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: 

1. Slice the ciabatta loaf into roughly 20 slices each around 1 cm thick. Lightly toast the ciabatta slices in a toaster or a hot oven until golden, and crisp. This can also be done on a hot griddle pan if you want the charred lines. Allow to cool completely. They should harden as they cool.
2. Dice the cherry tomatoes and combine with the garlic, basil and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For best results leave to stand for 30 minutes to allow the flavours to mingle before assembling the bruschetta. 
3. The ciabatta and tomato mixture can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Store the tomato mixture covered in the fridge, and the toasted ciabatta in an air tight container at room temperature.
4. To assemble the bruschetta, spoon the tomato mixture evenly only the toasted ciabatta and drizzled with a little more olive oil if desired.