ROASTED TOMATOES WITH MOZZARELLA AND GRILLED BREAD

This is one of our favourite ways of using fresh summer tomatoes. Sweet roasted tomatoes, silky, smooth mozzarella, fragrant, flavourful olive oil, fresh basil and crisp bread - an irresistible combination!

HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED:

1 1/2 pounds (about) cherry tomatoes (I used multicoloured ones)

3 - 4 garlic cloves (large), smashed 

4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

flaky sea salt

freshly ground pepper

1 ball (250 g) fresh buffalo mozzarella

rustic bread, sliced

sea salt

freshly ground black pepper (if using)

Preheat oven to 400F. Wash tomatoes and dry them.

In a bowl combine tomatoes with olive oil, garlic and salt. Toss and place onto rimmed baking sheet large enough to hold them in single layer.

Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on their size, or until soft and lightly browned. When done, let them cool slightly.

When tomatoes are slightly cooled, pour them onto a serving platter (including their juices!). Tear mozzarella into 4 to 5 pieces and snuggle amidst tomatoes. Top with fresh basil, freshly ground pepper and a sprinkling of flaky sea salt.

Just before you serve it, toast, broil or grill the bread and when done and still hot, rub fresh peeled garlic clove over the surface and sprinkle with olive oil. 

Serve straight away. Enjoy it by piling tomatoes, basil and mozzarella onto the bread and using it to soak up the extra juices.