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Ricotta and Cherry Tomato Bruschetta with Basil

Crunchy toasted wholegrain sourdough rubbed with garlic, spread with lemony ricotta and piled with juicy cherry tomatoes, basil and olive oil. A fresh snack or light starter, ready in 15 minutes.

Snack

15

Serves 4 (1 slice each)

Toasted bread spread with creamy ricotta and topped with quartered cherry tomatoes and chopped basil, with olive oil, lemon and basil leaves

Ingredients

  • 4 slices wholegrain sourdough (about 50g/1¾oz each)
  • 1 clove garlic, halved
  • 200g/7oz/¾ cup ricotta (choose one made without animal rennet if needed)
  • 1 lemon: finely grated zest and 1 tsp (5ml) juice
  • 300g/10½oz cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 10g/a loosely packed ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn, plus a few small leaves to serve
  • A pinch of salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Put the tomatoes in a bowl with the olive oil, torn basil, a pinch of salt and some pepper. Stir and leave for 5 minutes while the juices start to run.
  2. Mix the ricotta with the lemon zest, lemon juice and a little pepper.
  3. Toast the bread on a hot griddle pan or under the grill (broiler) for 2 minutes on each side, until golden and crisp. While it is still hot, rub one side of each slice with the cut garlic.
  4. Spread the ricotta over the toast, spoon over the tomatoes with their juices, and finish with a few small basil leaves. Serve straight away, 1 slice each, before the bread softens.
  5. Ricotta should be kept in the fridge; once opened, use it within the time on the pack, usually 2 to 3 days.

Why it works

A slice has about 13g of protein and 258 calories. Ricotta adds creaminess and some protein, and wholegrain sourdough adds fibre.

What bruschetta is. Bruschetta is Italian grilled bread rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil; the tomato topping is the best-known version. The name comes from bruscare, meaning to roast over coals.

Ripe tomatoes matter. Cherry tomatoes are usually sweeter than large tomatoes, especially out of season. Letting them sit with oil and salt draws out their juices, which soak into the ricotta.

A lighter cheese. Ricotta is lower in fat than most cheeses, and lemon zest keeps it bright. Using extra virgin olive oil adds flavour and healthy fats.

Not tagged for blood sugar, because the bread brings most of the 23g of carbohydrate. Contains wheat and milk. For other light bites, try the caprese skewers with basil pesto or the avocado toast with jammy egg.