A quick way to prepare tasty tomatoes

By NewsLine Staff
mail@floridanewsline.com

Tomatoes are a versatile ingredient in many meals — and are just as delicious in a garden salad as they are stewed and simmered in a favorite sauce. Tomatoes are a major source of the antioxidant lycopene, which can reduce one’s risk of heart disease and cancer. Tomatoes also are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K.

It’s easy to include more tomatoes into your diet with tasty fixings like this light and versatile recipe for “Bruschetta” from “Vegan Cooking for Beginners” (Publications International, Ltd.) by the PIL editors. Use it when serving cocktails and snacks, or as the prelude to a larger meal.

Bruschetta

Makes 8 servings

4 plum tomatoes, seeded and diced
½ cup packed fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
5 tbsp. olive oil, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp. finely chopped oil-packed sundried tomatoes
¼ tsp. salt
⅛ tsp. black pepper
16 slices Italian bread

Combine fresh tomatoes, basil, 3 tablespoons oil, garlic, sundried tomatoes, salt, and pepper in a large bowl; mix well. Let stand at room temperature for one hour to blend flavors.

Preheat oven to 375 F. Place bread on baking sheet. Brush remaining 2 tablespoons of oil over one side of each bread slice. Bake 6 to 8 minutes, or until toasted.

Top each bread slice with 1 tablespoon tomato mixture. 

Photo courtesy MetroCreative
Bruschetta

  • Support community journalism! Subscribe to the Mandarin Newsline today!
  • Support Community Journalism in Ponta Vedra NewsLine
  • Advertise in our May Issue The Creek Line