There are many ways to make garlic bread and I certainly make it
different ways. But this way is by far my favorite. In Italy, to
celebrate the first olive oil of the season, they make this simple fettunta
- or "greased slice". It's simply grilled bread, rubbed with a garlic
clove, drizzled with the best olive oil you have, and then sprinkled
with coarse sea salt. You won't believe how great it is.
There is a very unique taste you get if you use a raw garlic clove on a slice of fresh bread. If you want, you can add a topping to make bruschetta, but this is my favorite way to make garlic bread to accompany dinner. Many times I buy a whole grain or multi grain loaf to make this with and it's delicious.
As always, with simple recipes with few ingredients you need to use the best ingredients you can - a good, fruity extra virgin olive oil and some outstanding sea salt. This grilled bread is a must to accompany dishes that have a nice broth or sauce to sop up, like a cioppino or a ragu sauce.
Fettunta
Ingredients:
1 loaf good quality bakery bread
1 or 2 whole garlic cloves, cut in half
Extra virgin olive oil
Coarse sea salt
Instructions:
Have all ingredients ready for the grill. Slice your bread into 1 inch slices. Grill on each side. While hot, rub each slice on one side with the cut side of a garlic clove. Drizzle olive oil over the slices and sprinkle with a generous amount of sea salt.
Elaine McCardel shares her love fresh, homemade Italian cooking and food photography on her blog The Italian Dish.