Stewed-Tomato Bruschetta

Ingredients for Stewed-Tomato Bruschetta

• 120ml extra-virgin olive oil

• 3 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced lengthwise

• 2 Turkish bay leaves or 1 California

• 2 whole cloves

• 1 celery rib, finely chopped

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (150g )

• 1/2 Italian frying pepper, finely chopped (80g )

• 1 teaspoon curry powder (preferably Madras)

• 3/4 teaspoons salt

• 1/4 teaspoons black pepper

• 900g tomatoes, cored and cut into 1-inch-wide wedges

• 2 to 3 teaspoons packed dark brown sugar

• 3 large slices sourdough (cut from centre of a 9- to 10-inch round loaf)

• a well-seasoned ridged grill pan

How to make Stewed-Tomato Bruschetta

Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then cook garlic, bay leaves, and cloves, stirring, until garlic is golden, 35 to 40 seconds. Remove from heat, then transfer garlic, bay leaves, and cloves with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Reserve all but 2 tablespoons oil in a heatproof bowl, then add celery, onion, frying pepper, curry powder, salt, pepper, and reserved bay leaves and cloves to skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

Add tomatoes and 1 teaspoon brown sugar and cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes are just beginning to break down, about 20 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and stir in half of reserved garlic slices. Add remaining 1 to 2 teaspoons brown sugar, if desired.

Heat grill pan over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking.

Meanwhile, brush both sides of bread slices with reserved olive oil, then grill in hot grill pan, turning over once, until pale golden and grill marks appear, about 4 minutes total.

Spoon tomato mixture onto toast on plates and sprinkle with remaining garlic slices.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.