Herbed Seafood Bruschetta

Herbed Seafood Bruschetta Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 2 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Herbed Seafood Bruschetta is a delicious and refreshing appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the flavors of fresh seafood with aromatic herbs and zesty lemon juice, all piled high on crispy slices of toasted baguette.

History

Bruschetta is a traditional Italian dish that typically consists of grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with olive oil and salt. This seafood variation adds a unique twist to the classic recipe, incorporating crabmeat, shrimp, and a medley of fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.

Ingredients

24 slices of baguette
2 tsp of chives
2 tsp of fresh basil
2 tsp of lemon juice
1 tsp of fresh mint
1 tsp of olive oil
1 clove of garlic
0.25 tsp of salt
3 oz (85 g) of frozen crabmeat
4 oz (113 g) of peeled and cooked shrimp
0.75 cup of plum tomatoes
0.25 cup of onion
0.25 tsp of black pepper

How to prepare

Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet.
Broil the bread slices 3 to 4 inches from the heat for 1 to 2 minutes or until toasted, turning once.
Cool the bread slices on wire racks.
In a medium bowl, stir together the chives, basil, lemon juice, mint, oil, garlic, and salt.
Add the crabmeat, shrimp, tomatoes, and onion; toss to coat.
Arrange the toasted bread on a serving platter; spoon the seafood mixture on each slice.
Sprinkle with pepper.
Serve immediately.

Variations

Substitute the crabmeat and shrimp with cooked lobster or scallops for a different seafood twist.
Add diced avocado or mango for a touch of sweetness and creaminess.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to toast the bread slices just until they are golden brown to ensure they are crispy but not burnt.

- Be sure to thoroughly drain the crabmeat and shrimp to prevent the bruschetta from becoming too watery.

- Adjust the amount of herbs and lemon juice to suit your personal taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Herbed Seafood Bruschetta as a light and flavorful appetizer before a main course of grilled fish or pasta.

Cooking Techniques

Broiling the bread slices ensures they are crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside, providing the perfect base for the seafood topping.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe by using your favorite herbs or adding additional vegetables such as bell peppers or cucumbers.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the seafood mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the bruschetta. Toast the bread slices just before serving for the best texture.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Herbed Seafood Bruschetta on a decorative platter garnished with fresh herbs or lemon wedges for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the flavors of the seafood and herbs.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Herbed Seafood Bruschetta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or under the broiler until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Herbed Seafood Bruschetta contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Herbed Seafood Bruschetta contains approximately 18 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Herbed Seafood Bruschetta contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Herbed Seafood Bruschetta contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (crabmeat and shrimp) and wheat (baguette), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Herbed Seafood Bruschetta is a nutritious dish that is rich in proteins and vitamins, making it a healthy and satisfying appetizer option.

Summary

Herbed Seafood Bruschetta is a delightful appetizer that combines the flavors of fresh seafood, herbs, and citrus for a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this recipe with family and friends for a taste of Italy with a seafood twist.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I hold dear to my heart. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, that I first learned how to make Herbed Seafood Bruschetta.

I remember it like it was yesterday – I was visiting my Aunt Maria’s house for the summer, and she decided to teach me how to make one of her favorite dishes. Aunt Maria was a fantastic cook, and I always looked forward to spending time in her kitchen, watching her work her magic with ingredients and flavors.

On that particular day, Aunt Maria had a bounty of fresh seafood from the local market – shrimp, scallops, and crab meat. She explained to me that the key to a delicious seafood bruschetta was in the quality of the ingredients, so she always made sure to use the freshest seafood she could find.

As we gathered our ingredients and prepared to start cooking, Aunt Maria shared with me the story of how she first learned to make Herbed Seafood Bruschetta. She told me that she had discovered the recipe many years ago while traveling through Italy, where she had the pleasure of dining at a small seaside restaurant that specialized in seafood dishes.

The chef at the restaurant had graciously shared his recipe with Aunt Maria, who had been so impressed by the flavors and textures of the dish that she knew she had to learn how to make it herself. And now, all these years later, she was passing that recipe on to me.

As we worked together in the kitchen, Aunt Maria guided me through each step of the recipe, from sautéing the seafood in a fragrant herb butter to toasting the slices of crusty bread that would serve as the base for our bruschetta. She showed me how to season the seafood with a blend of herbs and spices, and how to combine it with a light and tangy lemon dressing.

I watched in awe as Aunt Maria effortlessly created a dish that was not only visually stunning, but also bursting with the flavors of the sea. The aroma of garlic, herbs, and fresh seafood filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation of tasting the finished bruschetta.

Finally, after all the ingredients had been combined and the bruschetta assembled, Aunt Maria and I sat down at the table to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The first bite was pure bliss – the tender seafood, the crisp bread, the zesty dressing – it was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

As I savored each bite, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. Not only had I learned how to make a delicious dish, but I had also forged a special bond with my Aunt Maria through the shared experience of cooking together.

Since that day, Herbed Seafood Bruschetta has become one of my signature dishes, a recipe that I cherish and share with loved ones whenever I have the opportunity. And every time I make it, I am reminded of that happy memory of discovering the recipe for the first time, and the special bond that it helped to create between me and my dear Aunt Maria.