basic, healthy lunch - bruschetta inspired

I'm a foodie. I love cooking and eating my creations, but i'm also a little impatient. Which is why i've decided to give you gorgeous people a quick, easy recipe (inspired by italian food, especially bruschetta) that will leave you (hopefully) satisfied and full.

All the ingredients i've used are relatively easy to find, and this healthy little lunch can be whipped up in literally 5 minutes. Interested? Read on...!

You will need:
spelt flour bread (read about the benefits of spelt bread here)
pesto / ingredients to make pesto (see below)
parma ham
parmesan flakes

Pesto ingredients:
Olive oil
Chilli flakes
Fresh basil leaves
parmesan
tomato purée
salt
plain cashew nuts (optional)

i. Cut a slice of spelt bread of medium thickness. Either grill or toast it and leave it to cool. 

ii. Tear two slices of parma ham into rough strips, fold them a little and put them on a plate. Put these in the microwave for 10-15 seconds (i'll explain in a bit). 

iii. Spread the pesto onto the slice of bread (the lesser toasted side, if there is one).Then add of the odd-looking wrinkled slices of parma ham. Sprinkle on the parmesan flakes and add a sprinkle of pepper for authentic italian taste.

(you can use shop bought pesto if you like, but my family's homemade pesto recipe is so simple but absolutely tasty!)

For pesto: 

i. Take the plain cashews and put them in a hot, shallow saucepan. You are basically sautéing them to crisp them up. (this stage is optional, as are the cashews- i'm allergic so i leave them out). Keep them in the hot pan (add no oil) for a couple of minutes, until they are begin to brown, then take them off the heat and leave them to cool.

ii. take about 4 medium sized basil leaves and tear them into smaller strips. Put these in a bowl on their own. 

iii. Add a tiny amount of olive oil (about a teaspoon), then add  chilli flakes, the amount is totally down to your personal taste (i normally give the jar a couple of shakes). Then, add parmesan flakes, half a teaspoon of tomato purée and the cashews. 

iv. Mix the ingredients together, continuing to tear up the basil leaves as you mix (they should be no bigger than the nail of your middle finger (assuming your nails aren't fake or gigantic, like this intriguing human being). 

v. Add a few pinches of salt and give another mix. Your rustic, homemade pesto is done!

You can add fresh chopped tomatoes if you want- i leave them out because i don't really like them! #fussyeater

Personally, i love italian food. This recipe is nothing groundbreaking, but it's something i make when i need a quick, healthy but tasty lunch or snack.