Tasty Snack - Tomato Basil Bruschetta
Dr. Mom's Healthy Tips:
The Mediterranean diet has been shown to have favorable effects on lipoprotein levels, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular mortality and cancer incidence. It decreases all major diseases and prevents brain tissue loss.
As I drove into my driveway after work today, I slowed my car to take in the views of my fresh vegetable garden. My eyes were immediately drawn to several fresh, ripe tomatoes hanging from a plant off to the side. Then, after admiring my plants, I stepped into the house through the kitchen, and I was greeted with a tall French baguette starring right at me. I was immediately reminded of the time we spent in Paris a few years ago, and the memories of warm bread and olive oil came rushing back to me. Those memories have led me to share this bruschetta recipe with many more nutritious and tasty ingredients.
If you are looking for healthy after school snack for your young children or if you were hoping to impress a special guest, this is the perfect recipe. It also goes very well with your choice of wine!
Tomato Basil Bruschetta
Total Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
1 baguette
2 tomatoes, seeded and finely diced
1 tbsp. red onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
4-6 basil leaves
Salt to taste **
Optional: Green chilies, finely diced
** Flavor is an expression of your personality; therefore, while rough guidelines on salt and chili measurements have been given, please do tailor them to your own tastes or dietary tolerance.
Directions:
Place seeded and finely diced tomatoes in a bowl.
Place a small saucepan on the stove and turn to medium heat. Pour olive oil into the saucepan. Add onion and garlic to pan.
Cook for 2 minutes, stirring.
Turn off stove and transfer contents of saucepan to bowl containing tomatoes.
Add chopped basil, salt, and finely diced green chilies to the mixture. Mix all ingredients well.
Slice baguette into round pieces.
Place a spoonful of mixture on each piece of baguette. Serve in a decorative plate.