2 slices focaccia bread, thick (or white rustic bread.) .
1/4 tsp dried thyme .
1 pinch dried marjoram .
3-4 sprigs fresh coriander, finely sliced .
2 large tomatoes, sliced .
1/4 tsp dried oregano .
5 garlic cloves, crushed .
1 pinch cracked black pepper .
7 tbsps extra virgin olive oil .
1 pinch salt .
1/2 c mozzarella cheese, grated .
1/4 tsp dried basil
Directions
Step #1 In a large grill pan, heat 2 tbsps of olive oil.
Step #2 When oil is hot, press slices of bread or foccacia firmly against the grill.
Step #3 Turn the flame on high until the bread has become slightly & pleasantly streaked with char lines.
Step #4 Heat 5 tbsps of olive oil on medium heat, & add crushed garlic.
Step #5 Tilt the pan upwards so that the oil collects near the end & 'deep-fries' the garlic until golden brown, on medium to high heat.
Step #6 (this ensures a more wholesome garlic infusion in the oil as you're using a grill pan).
Step #7 Set golden brown garlic aside.
Step #8 In a small bowl, mix all the herbs together.
Step #9 Put in tomato slices in the grill pan & sprinkle the mixed herbs liberally & all over the tomatoes.
Step #10 Spice up with salt & pepper.
Step #11 If you have a cover for the grill pan, do so & let grill on a soft flame for 5 mins or so.
Step #12 If not, leave to grill for about 7 mins.
Step #13 When the tomatoes are soft, but still retaining their shape - or the time has elapsed, add the grated mozzarella cheese.
Step #14 Leave for another 5 - 10 mins, or until cheese has melted & is bubbling.
Step #15 Quickly (before the melted cheese hardens), slightly overlapped, & place side by side, scoop the cheese covered tomatoes out, on the grilled bread.
Step #16 (I find using a fork & a spoon helps to scoop the tomatoes out without breaking them.
Step #17 ).
Step #18 Spice up with more salt & pepper, & add sliced fresh coriander herb on the bruchetta.
Step #19 Serve as soon as possible.
Enjoy the Italian Bruschetta With Herbed Mozzarella & Garlic Tomatoes recipe