Roasted Vegetable and Strawberry Bruschetta
Tostas de Escalivada con FresónThis innovative tapa, inspired by Chef Sergi Arola of La Broche restaurant in Madrid, takes roasted vegetables to a whole new level by incorporating strawberries instead of tomatoes. The result is a unique and refreshing treat that's sure to impress your party guests.
Ingredients
Makes about 12 tapas
- ¼ pound baby eggplant
- ¼ pound red bell pepper
- ½ medium onion
- 2 small strawberries hulled and thinly sliced lengthwise
- 4 black olives finely chopped (preferably Spanish)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 small garlic clove mashed in a garlic press or mortar
- ¼ teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 8 3/8-inch slices of long-loaf (baguette) bread
- Olive oil for brushing
- 8 canned or jarred anchovy fillets
- 16 capers nonpareil preferred, rinsed and drained
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 500°F.
- Arrange the baby eggplant, red bell pepper, and onion in a roasting pan.
- Roast them for about 20 minutes, turning the eggplant and pepper once.
- Let them cool, then peel the pepper, core it, and remove the seeds.
- Peel the eggplant, cut it in half lengthwise, and remove most of the seeds.
- While the vegetables are still warm, coarsely chop the pepper, eggplant, and onion and transfer them to a medium bowl.
- Gently fold in the sliced strawberries, finely chopped olives, parsley, mashed garlic, balsamic vinegar, and 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
- Cover the mixture and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you prefer, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Remove the strawberry and vegetable mixture from the refrigerator.
- Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and bake them until they become crisp but not browned.
- Brush the bread slices with a little olive oil, then spread 1 tablespoon of the topping on each slice.
- Place an anchovy diagonally across the top and position a caper on either side.
Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:
Serve your Roasted Vegetable and Strawberry Bruschetta at room temperature.
Enjoy this wonderfully creative and refreshing tapa that combines the earthiness of roasted vegetables with the sweetness of strawberries. It’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering!