Natasha's Bruschetta

This is my variation of a classic Italian bruschetta (pronounced as “broosketta”). It is a simple appetizer to whip up when you have last minute guests landing up and goes really well with drinks. If you don’t have feta at home, simply omit. You can also substitute basil with mint or parsley for a different refreshing flavor. Replace cherry tomatoes with regular chopped tomatoes. Just use whatever you have in the fridge and this will always be your ‘rescue appetizer’.

Other classic Italian appetizers:

1. Grilled Zucchini Chips

2. Eggplant Parmesan

What you need:

6 slices of baguette or any crusty bread

1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

½ cup feta cheese, crumbled

¼ cup slices black olives

2 cloves garlic, each cut in half

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Pinch of dried oregano

Sea salt and freshly crushed pepper

Putting it all together:

Make the tomato mix a few hours or a day earlier for the flavours to blend in. In a bowl, mix the tomatoes, olives, basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil, seasoning and oregano. Cover and keep in the fridge till ready to serve.

Grill the bread slices in the oven or on a griddle pan.

Rub a garlic clove with the chopped side down on each bread so that the bread has a slight garlic aroma and taste.

Top each slice with the tomato topping and add some crumbled feta.

Garnish with some chopped basil leaves and fresh pepper.

Serve immediately.