Bruschetta with Coriander Mint Pesto and Red Bell Peppers
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Brown Bread | 8 slices |
| Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1, sliced |
| Onion | 2, sliced |
| Dried Oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Flakes | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 1 cup, finely chopped |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina) | 1/2 cup, finely chopped |
| Almonds (Badam) | 8-10, chopped |
| Green Chilli | 1, chopped |
| Garlic Cloves | 2-3, peeled |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 4 tablespoons |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/4 cup, grated |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~180 kcal |
| Protein | ~4g |
| Carbohydrates | ~22g |
| Dietary Fiber | ~3g |
| Sugars | ~3g |
| Fat | ~9g |
| Saturated Fat | ~1g |
| Cholesterol | ~5mg |
| Sodium | ~300mg |
Instructions:
-
Toast the Bread:
Begin by toasting the whole wheat bread slices in a toaster. Once toasted, cut each slice in half and set them aside. -
-
Make the Coriander Mint Pesto:
In a mixer or food processor, combine the fresh coriander leaves, mint leaves, almonds, green chili, garlic, and olive oil. Blend until you achieve a chunky paste. Set aside. -
Prepare the Red Bell Pepper and Onion Mixture:
Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for about 2 minutes, allowing them to soften. Add the sliced red bell pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Season with oregano, red chili flakes, and salt to taste. Stir well and remove from heat. -
Assemble the Bruschetta:
On each toasted bread slice, spread a generous layer of the coriander mint pesto. Top with a spoonful of the onion and red bell pepper mixture, ensuring even coverage. -
Serve:
Serve your Bruschetta with Coriander Mint Pesto and Red Bell Peppers as an appetizer, perfect for a light snack or as part of a delightful weekend brunch.
Pairing Suggestion: This recipe pairs beautifully with a dish like Baked Farfalle Pasta with Mushrooms, Peas, and Lemon White Sauce, and for dessert, enjoy a refreshing Vanilla Panna Cotta with Strawberry Coulis to complete the meal.
Tips:
- For an extra creamy texture in your pesto, you can add a bit of grated Parmesan directly into the pesto mixture before blending.
- Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or cashews for a unique twist on the pesto.
Enjoy this simple, healthy, and flavorful appetizer that brings together the freshness of herbs with the sweetness of bell peppers, perfect for any occasion.
