Easy Bruschetta

Bruschetta is an Italian appetizer which has been around for over 5 centuries. Today it makes a really easy, versatile and tasty summer lunch which I like to serve up to my fellow mums!

Many recipes call for tomatoes to be blanched, peeled and de-seeded which busy mums like me don't have time for! Canned tomatoes may sound like a poor substitute, but they do really work well in this recipe and are ready in seconds. Don't be afraid to customise it and make it your own with olives, feta, cured meats or different herbs. I love fresh corriander so I prefer it to basil, which is more traditional. I also use thick slices of white bread from my bread maker but use ciabatta if you want to do it the Italian way!

• Time:  10 minutes
• Calories:  380 per serving
• Cost:  57p per serving

Serves 2:

• 2 slices of thick crusty bread
• 2 tins chopped tomatoes
• 1/4 red onion (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Handful of fresh basil or corriander
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Toast the bread and let it go cold. Meanwhile, drain the tomatoes very well in a sieve and place in a bowl. If you wish to use red onion, slice it very finely (or blitz in a food processor) and add to the bowl with the tomatoes. Add the dried basil and lemon juice. Mix well and season to taste.
2. Cut the garlic clove in half and rub one side of each of the slices of bread with the freshly cut area of the clove. Place each slice of bread on a dinner plate and spoon over the tomatoes evenly. Top with the fresh herbs chopped roughly. Drizzle over the olive oil and serve.

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