Roasted Tomato Bruschetta

My husband comes from a family with a long line of heart issues. It’s a concern, and rightfully so. I wanna keep him around for a long time. I like him, man. I really do.

I’m kinda used to him.

So not only do we take steps to limit the unhealthy choices that lead to heart disease, but we to try to include more foods that help promote a healthy heart. And tomatoes are at the top of that list.

So when Hunt’s contacted me about a recent study by ConAgra, the maker of Hunt’s tomatoes, about the heart health benefits of tomatoes, I was curious to see what they had to say. Did you know how healthy the tomato is? Here are just a few handy dandy facts about the heart lovin’ tomato…

• Research suggests that tomatoes and tomato products may offer protection from cardiovascular disease – one study revealed a significant lowering of blood pressure in some who consumed two servings of canned tomato products daily.

• According to one study, lycopene, known for it’s antioxidant properties, was shown to be two to three times more absorbed from canned tomato products than raw tomatoes.

• Tomatoes offer a significant source of vitamin C, fiber and potassium. Tomatoes contain more than twice the potassium of other common sources such as bananas, potatoes, milk or orange juice.

That’s something huh? All that in the simple tomato. Who knew?

And tomatoes are such an easy food to incorporate into our daily diet. With that said, this time of the year is always a challenge to eat responsibly, especially at parties. But here’s a yummy Roasted Bruschetta packed with flavor and all the goodness of tomatoes. So you can party, and not feel bad about enjoying something tasty too.

It’s simple too. I’m all about simple. Tasty + Simple + Healthy = No Brainer

You’ll need basic ingredients. The original recipe called for fresh basil and oregano, but all I had on hand was dried herbs so that’s what I used and it was fine a dandy. I think fresh is always a better choice for taste, but work with what you have.

In a bowl add the drained tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped onion, basil, oregano, salt, pepper and olive oil.

Combine well.

Spread evenly on a foiled lined pan sprayed with PAM^® cooking spray. Roast in 325°F oven for 1.5 hour, stirring halfway through cooking time.

Can you see the difference? Not only do the flavors deepen but so do the colors.

Spread on your favorite toasted bread.

This stuff is mighty tasty y’all! Full of flavor. It would be great on a sandwich, maybe with some mozzarella? YUM! Or even used as a pasta sauce. Double yum!

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Happy cooking!

Roasted Tomato Bruschetta Recipe
(makes 8-10 servings) by George Duran for Hunt’s

• 4 cans (14.5 oz. each) Hunt’s® Stewed Tomatoes, well drained
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup packed basil leaves, chopped OR 1 tablespoon of dried basil
• 1/2 cup fresh oregano, chopped OR 2 teaspoons of dried oregano
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• PAM® No-Stick Cooking Spray
• 1 loaf whole grain bread or loaf of your choice, sliced
• Extra virgin olive oil (for bread)

Pre-heat oven to 325° F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, spraying it with PAM® cooking spray.

Place drained tomatoes in a large bowl and combine with olive oil, basil, oregano, garlic, onion, salt and pepper.

Spread tomato mixture evenly across the aluminum lined baking sheet.

Bake for 1.5 hours, mixing the tomatoes half way through.

Place in a glass bowl and allow to come to room temperature.

Lightly brush bread with extra olive oil.

Toast slices of bread.

Evenly spread the tomato mixture on top of toasted bread. Add more olive oil and salt as desired.

Enjoy! Be sure to check out more heart healthy recipes over at Hunt’s.

(I was compensated by TheMotherhood.com to pass on this helpful information about Hunt’s Tomatoes. But no one paid me to say that the recipe up there rocks! It’s yummy y’all!)