Ingredients

1 ciabatta loaf

5 tbsp olive oil

1 clove garlic, peeled

5 ripe vine tomatoes, deseeded

10 basil leaves

salt and freshly ground black pepper

150 g pack mozzarella cheese

rocket leaves to finish (optional)

chilli oil to finish (optional)

Method

1.Preheat the oven to 170C/Fan 150C/325F/Gas Mark 3.

Slice the loaf into about 12 (15mm) thick slices; discard the end pieces.

Lay the slices in a single layer on a large baking sheet.

Drizzle over half the olive oil, turn over the slices and drizzle over the remaining oil.

2.Bake the bread for 10mins until it is pale golden and crisp.

Remove from the oven and cool slightly.

Rub the garlic clove over one side of the bread slices; discard remaining garlic.

Leave to cool.

The slices can then be stored in a plastic bag for upto 3 days.

3.To make the topping, chop the tomatoes and place in a bowl.

Finely shred the basil and add to the tomatoes, season to taste.

Tear the mozzarella into pieces.

Scatter the tomatoes over the bread, then finish with the cheese.

This can all be done upto 20 mins before serving.

Finally add a few rocket leaves and drizzle with a little chilli oil if liked.

Cooks Comments and Tips

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