Bruschetta with mushroom paste, prosciutto and Grana Padano Cheese

Since we moved to England from Italy, one of the things that my children have missed us making regularly is bruschetta.  Usually I either made bruschetta with olive oil, garlic and salt or bruschetta with diced tomato, olive oil and salt.

When I was presented with the opportunity to promote some Italian recipes and amongst them was a bruschetta one, I was very keen.

 

Bruschetta con crema di funghi, prosciutto e Grana Padano

The following recipe makes 3 bruschette

Ingredients:

350g mushrooms, sliced

50ml extra virgin olive oil

1 garlic clove

2 sprig thyme

1 sprig rosemary

Salt and black pepper

50ml double cream

20g butter

3 slices of pugliese bread 1cm thick, toasted

3 thin slices of Prosciutto di San Daniele

12 shavings of Grana Padano Cheese

Method:

· Heat the oil in a frying pan over a high heat and when hot, add the garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper. Fry for just a minute and then add the mushrooms.

· Cook on a high heat, tossing or stirring frequently. When the water from the mushrooms has evaporated, and they have become browned and slightly crisp, they are ready.

· Allow mushrooms to cool then puree with a blender or food processor, adding cream and butter, then return to the heat and cook for a further 2-3 minutes, checking the seasoning.

· Spread mushroom puree over toasted bruschetta then place San Daniele slices and Grana Padano shavings on top to serve.

 Recipes created by Giancarlo Caldesi for the Italian Consortiums of Grana Padano Cheese and Prosciutto di San Daniele, to promote Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) products

For more information and suggestions on how to enjoy Prosciutto di San Daniele and Grana Padano Cheese, including recipes from the renowned chef, Giancarlo Caldesi, visit www.prosciuttosandaniele.it and www.granapadano.it.

Disclaimer: I used another type of prosciutto from Parma as San Daniele was not stocked in the supermarket where I did my shopping.  I did use Grana Padano cheese.  I also doubled the ingredients.

This recipe was absolutely delicious and my family loved it (apart from my non-loving mushroom son who contented himself with the extra prosciutto in a bread roll).