Chef Bihi Crostini with Grape Tomatoes & San Marzano / Grilled Halloumi / Strawberries / Pickled Onions
Embark on a culinary adventure to the Mediterranean coast with this delightful dish that offers a burst of flavors and the essence of vacation right at your table!
Recipe Information
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 ciabatta loaf
- 2 grape tomatoes
- 2 San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 package of Halloumi cheese
- 4-5 strawberries
- 2-3 pickled red onions
- Fresh basil leaves
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
- A pinch of fleur de sel (sea salt)
Instructions
- Cut the grape and San Marzano tomatoes in half and remove the seeds.
- Dice the tomatoes and strawberries finely.
- In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, strawberries, olive oil, vinegar, and fleur de sel. Mix well.
- Slice the Halloumi cheese into 1 cm thick pieces and grill them in a pan for 1 minute on each side until golden brown.
- Slice the ciabatta into thick pieces and toast them in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil until golden.
- On each toasted ciabatta slice, layer the tomato-strawberry mixture and garnish with pickled onions and fresh basil leaves.
Notes
This recipe is highly customizable. Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables or fruits to enhance the flavors.
Recipe Tips
To enhance the flavor, let the tomato and strawberry mixture marinate for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutritional Information
Approximate calories per serving: 250
FAQs
1. Can I replace Halloumi with another cheese?
Yes, you can use feta or goat cheese as an alternative if Halloumi is unavailable.
2. How do I prepare the pickled onions?
To pickle onions, thinly slice them and soak in equal parts vinegar and water with a pinch of salt for at least 30 minutes.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the components in advance and assemble them just before serving to keep the bread crispy.
4. What can I serve with these crostini?
These crostini pair well with a fresh salad or as part of a tapas-style spread.
5. What if I can’t find San Marzano tomatoes?
Regular ripe tomatoes work well too; just ensure they are sweet and juicy for the best flavor.
