1x10.5oz/300g loaf ofCiabatta,divided into 16 slices (see notes)
1x 4.5oz/125gball ofFresh Mozzarella,thinly sliced and patted dry with paper towels
1/3 cup / 30gfreshly gratedParmesan
1/4 cup / 60mlExtra Virgin Olive Oil
10.5oz / 300ggood quality freshTomatoes,diced
1/2smallRed Onion,finely diced
1/2 small bunch (approx 2 heaped tbsp)Fresh Basil,finely diced
1clove ofGarlic,peeled
Balsamic Glaze,to serve (see notes)
Instructions
Once you've diced your tomato, use paper towels to press down whilst on the chopping board, just to soak up some moisture. Place into a mixing bowl with red onion, basil, 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and a good pinch of salt and pepper.
Brush one side of all of the slices of ciabatta with extra virgin olive oil. Flip half of them over so they're oil-side-down. Place mozzarella on top, then top with the bruschetta mix, then finish parmesan. Place the oil slice on top (oil-side-up) and gently push down to secure the filling.
Add to a griddle or frying pan over medium heat (medium high if you want some char, the cheese just may not be as melted). Once golden and lightly charred on one side, flip over and gently rub the top with a clove of garlic. Fry the other side then place garlic-side-down on a serving board. Rub the top with garlic.
Depending on pan size, you will need to do this in two batches. Serve by drizzling individual sandwiches with balsamic glaze!
Quick Demo
Notes
a) Bread - You need something firm to contain the juicy filling. I love using Ciabatta, but French Bread or Sourdough also work nicely.b) Excess Moisture - Important to pat the tomato and mozzarella dry before adding to the sandwich, otherwise it'll go soggy as it fries!c) Balsamic Glaze - This is optional, but recommended! If you don't have balsamic glaze you can easily make it by gently simmering 1 cup/240ml balsamic vinegar combined with 1 tbsp brown sugar until it thickens to a glaze (around 15-20mins).d) Calories - per sandwich without balsamic glaze:
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
*Nutrition is based on the absence of salt unless stated as a measurement in the ingredients. Cost is worked out based on ingredients bought from UK supermarkets, then divided by the number of servings. In both instances these values are just for guidance. Please check out my FAQ Page for more info.