Let’s call it like it is – April is the month of green. When we are so close to summer, we start to transition from comfort foods to fresh produce. While we dream of ocean waves, sun and watermelons, spring still offers a variety of simple, yet delicious and nutritious ingredients that we often may overlook. Think of artichokes, zucchini, garlic, mushrooms, tomatoes and basil leaves. Now, think bruschetta, and allow us to show you how to create a quick, healthy and flavorful dish that doesn’t take much time or effort, just a bit of fresh produce, a baguette and a pinch of love.
1. Mushroom Bruschetta
You can’t go wrong with some sauteed mushrooms over a freshly baked baguette.
First, cut the baguette to your liking, splash it with a few drops of butter or olive oil and put it in the oven to bake. Keep an eye on it; thin bread can burn easily so keep the heat on low. After a few minutes you should see a golden color, turn them around to bake the other side, and then pull them out to cool off. (Use this same technique for the recipes below). For the mushrooms, fry them using just one tablespoon of olive oil. After they soften, add a bit of vegetable broth and cook on low until the sauce thickens. Last, add some salt and parsley. Goat cheese can also be added before the mushrooms.
2. Garlic Shrimp Bruschetta
Want to incorporate seafood into your meal, but don’t want to spend much time doing it? This is your recipe. Buy some fresh shrimp (not frozen) and cut them into small slices. Cut the shrimps into somewhat small pieces and swirl them for about two minuets in a hot pan with a teaspoon of butter. Careful, you can overcook your shrimp easily, so do not cook them for more than two to three minutes. Cut fresh tomatoes into small cubes and add salt and chopped garlic. Mix and pour over the baguette.
3. Yellow-tomatoes Bruschetta
Yellow tomatoes are so sweet and their color can make your dish so vibrant. Because of its natural taste, this recipe is simple: cut your tomatoes into small cubes, add mozzarella cheese balls and parsley. You can add olive oil if you wish.
Did you know that yellow tomatoes have more niacin and folate compared to red tomatoes, which have more vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid?
4. Zucchini Bruschetta
Ah, the zucchini! The key ingredient to many dishes: soft and tasty.
For this recipe, cut the zucchini into thin slices, fry it (or grill it) and let it cool off on a piece of paper (so it will soak in the leftover oil). Add salt, black pepper and slices of mozzarella cheese.
Did you know that zucchini is a fruit? (botanically speaking).
5. Basil Bruschetta
Did you know that this culinary herb is native to India and a part of the mint family?
Yes, this green leaf is one of the most flavorful ingredients. It is playful, fresh and sweet, which means that you just need to add something mellow, like creamy goat cheese, and voila! Deliciousness in your mouth.
6. Onion-Tomatoes Bruschetta
Speaking of simple: red onions, tomatoes, and fresh basil. Mix these with some olive oil, lemon and salt. With this one, if you want to go even more green and even more nutritious, add some avocado and green tomatoes.
Did you know that red onions are some of the best natural sources for quercetin (flavanol)?
7. Artichoke Bruschetta
Artichokes are low in calories and fat and a great source of vitamins. But this vegetable is not easy to cook. It usually takes about 25 to 45 minutes to cook, so if you are in a hurry you can buy it in a jar. Drain it from the water or oil, cut it to your liking and combine it with feta or goat cheese. You can also add some pesto sauce for an extra kick.
Did you know that artichoke is an edible flower plant?
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[Photo by Joan Nova, tracy benjamin– CC BY]