Candied Tomato Bruschetta

Candied tomato Bruschetta

Antipasti, meaning ‘before the meal’ is intended to stimulate the appetite. Traditional antipasti platters include cured meats, preserved vegetables, cheese and of course, a crusty bread like ciabatta or focaccia. This is my best kind of antipasti – Candied tomato bruschetta with creamy ricotta and the slight tang goat’s cheese. So easy yet completely delicious.

This tricolore Candied tomato bruschetta is a classic combination – tomatoes, ricotta and basil. Roasting the tomatoes intensifies the sugars turning them into a vegetable candy of sorts. Piled onto bruschetta with ricotta and tangy goat’s cheese, it’s summer’s best on a plate.

If like me, you’re on the look our for recipes that can be adaptable and versatile,  these roasted tomatoes also make a really good Napoletana sauce. Scrape the tomatoes into a blender and blitz briefly. Add a splash of reserved pasta water in with the sauce and toss through cooked pasta. Serve with fresh basil and grated parmesan. For a simple tomato soup, add 500ml hot chicken stock and one cup of cream. Blitz until smooth, heat through and serve with buttered crostini. It also makes a great omelette filler together with a handful of rocket and crumbled feta.

Candied tomato Bruschetta

 

Candied Tomato Bruschetta
Makes 12
  • 500 g cherry tomatoes or mixed exotic tomatoes, halved
  • 30 ml olive oil
  • 20 ml balsamic vinegar
  • 5 ml castor sugaraA pinch of chilli flakes
  • several stems fresh thyme
  • salt and pepper
For the Bruschetta
  • 1 ciabatta or sourdough bread, sliced
  • olive oil, for brushing
  • 100 g ricotta
  • 125 g goat’s cheese
  • several basil sprigs
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
Preheat the oven to 190° Celsius. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with non-stick baking spray. Spread the tomatoes on the sheet, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Scatter over the sugar, chilli, thyme and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat, then turn the tomatoes to face cut side up. Roast for 40-45 minutes.
In the meanwhile, combine the the ricotta and goat’s cheese together in a mixing bowl. Add a drizzle of olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
Brush the ciabatta with olive oil, on one side only. Toast on both sides in a griddle pan or hot oven until the bread is crisp and golden. Rub a cut clove over toasted ciabatta, if you like. Spread a generous layer of cheese onto each bruschetta. Spoon the  tomatoes on top, along with any resting juices.  Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and finish with fresh basil sprigs.

 

Here are several more delicious ways to use juicy summer tomatoes:

White bean hummus with candied tomatoes

Tomato galette with ricotta & basil oil

Saffron risotto stuffed tomatoes

 

 

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