Tostadas de pizza

Ingredientes

• 4 slices sourdough bread
• 2 garlic cloves
• 4 large fresh basil leaves plus an extra for the topping and garnishing
• 2/3 cup arrabbiata sauce (or marinara or Pomodoro sauce if you prefer)
• Salt and freshly grated black pepper to taste
• 4 slices fresh mozzarella (quartered (or about 1 cup of shredded mozzarella if you prefer))
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes, red or different colors)
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives (halved (optional), or other olives of choice)
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional (skip if you don't enjoy spicy foods))
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (plus extra to toast the bread)
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
• Grated parmesan cheese (to sprinkle on top (optional))

Preparación

1. 1

   For the pizza sauce: Using a mortar and pestle, smash garlic with a pinch of salt until forming a paste. Then, add the basil leaves and smash more until forming almost a paste, Stir in the arrabbiata sauce and some freshly ground black pepper and set aside. If you prefer, use just good-quality sauce and skip all the smashing and mixing to reduce prep time.

2. 2

   For the fresh veggie topping: In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, olives, 6 thinly sliced basil leaves, a pinch of salt and pepper plus red pepper flakes, 1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil, and lemon zest. Reserve!

3. 3

   Toast the bread: Heat a griddle or large cast-iron skillet over medium heat until very hot. Place the slices of bread onto the skillet and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil on both sides (about 2 tbsp for 4 slices). Let the bread toast for 2-3 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. Then, flip the slices using a large metal spatula or tongs, and repeat the toasting process. Transfer them to a large baking sheet.

4. 4

   Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).

5. 5

   Meanwhile, arrange the pizza toasts. Thinly spread about 2-3 tbsp of the prepared sauce on top of each toast (the amount will depend on the size of your bread slice), top each with 4 pieces of fresh mozzarella cheese, and spoon the fresh veggie topping evenly among them.

6. 6

   Bake for about 5 minutes or until the cheese melts. Remove them from the oven, sprinkle some grated parmesan on top, and serve them right away with a drizzle of EVOO if desired.