Bruschetta with Tomatoes, Beans and Fresh Herbs
For Topping:
1 C. seeded and diced ripe beefsteak tomato
3/4 C. well-drained cannellini beans (freshly cooked or canned)
1/4 C. seeded and diced cucumber
2 T. thinly sliced green (spring) onion
1 T. fresh oregano leaves or 1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1 T. chopped fresh basil or 1 1/2 tsp. dried basil
Freshly ground pepper
For Bruschetta:
8 slices country-style white or whole-wheat bread, each 2 1/2 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick
1 large clove garlic, cut in half
4 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
In a bowl, combine all the topping ingredients, including pepper to taste. Toss well, cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours or for up to 2 days to allow the flavors to blend. Preheat a broiler or prepare a fire in a charcoal grill. Arrange the bread slices on a rack on a broiler pan or on a grill rack and broil or grill for 2 minutes. Turn the bread slices over and continue to cook until golden, 1-2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat, rub a cut side of the garlic clove over one side of each warm bread slice and then brush with 1/2 tsp. the olive oil. Mound an equal amount of the topping on the garlic-rubbed side of each bread slice. Transfer to a platter and serve immediately.
Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 266
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 6g