HERBED FOOTLONG

Preparation Time : 10 mins.
Baking Time : 15 mins.
Cooking Time : 25 mins.
Baking Temperature : 180°C (360°F).
Makes 2 footlongs.

Ingredients
2 large French breads, sliced into 2 horizontally
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese or cooking cheese
oil for greasing

For the filling
1 cup chopped onions
1 cup chopped capsicum
4 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 cup chopped brinjal (optional)
½ cup boiled sweet corn
1 cup chopped tomatoes
8 tablespoons tomato ketchup
½ cup milk
½ teaspoon mixed dried herbs
2 tablespoons oil
salt and pepper to taste

For the filling
1. Heat the oil in a pan, add the onions, capsicum, garlic and celery and sauté till the onions turn translucent.
2. Add the brinjal and corn and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes till the brinjal softens.
3. Add the tomatoes, tomato ketchup, salt and pepper and stir till the tomatoes soften.
4. Add the milk and mixed dried herbs and mix well.
5. Simmer till the liquid evaporates, remove from fire and cool slightly.
6. Divide into 2 equal portions and keep aside.

How to proceed
1. Spread one portion of the filling mixture on one half of the sliced French bread.
2. Place it on a greased baking tray.
3. Top with half the grated cheese and then top half of the French bread and bake in a pre-heated oven at 180°C (360°F) for 8 to 10 minutes or till the cheese melts.
4. Repeat for the remaining filling, cheese and French bread to make another footlong. Serve hot.