Bruschetta (pronounced brusketta in Italian) is an appetizer that originated in central Italy and consists of toasted bread rubbed with garlic and topped with extra virgin olive oil and salt and pepper. The most popular variety outside of Italy is topped with tomatoes, garlic, basil, and sometimes mozzarella.
I discovered this easy recipe a few weeks ago. It is especially good using garden fresh tomatoes you can find this time of year. Also, using fresh basil instead of dried makes a huge difference in taste. The smell and taste of fresh basil is divine and I have thoroughly enjoyed cooking with it.
Tomato and Basil Bruschetta
Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
- Prep Time : 55 minutes
- Yield : 6 servings
Nutrition facts (per portion) :
0: 129;
1: 8.2;
Ingredients
- roma tomatoes, diced - 6
- garlic, chopped - 2 cloves
- garlic, peeled - 2 cloves
- olive oil - 3 tablespoons
- balsamic vinegar - 2 1/4 teaspoons
- chopped fresh basil - 2 tablespoons
- kosher salt - 1/2 teaspoon
- fresh cracked pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
- Italian bread, cut about 1 inch thick - 8 slices
- grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese - 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Whisk together chopped garlic, vinegar, salt, pepper, and basil.
- When combined slowly drizzle in oil.
- Add tomatoes and let sit for 20 minutes at room temp.
- Meanwhile, toast the bread.
- This can be done either in the toaster (if it's got really wide slots) or under the broiler (if using this method watch closely so it doesn't become a brickette).
- When the bread is toasted rub each piece, on one side, with the whole garlic pieces.
- Place the bread on a cookie sheet and top with tomato mixture.
- Sprinkle on a little cheese and broil till the cheese melts (you can skip that last broiling bit and it's equally as wonderful).
- Serve immediately.
The tomato mixture also makes a wonderful vinaigrette for an antipasto salad.
When are you going to post again? You really entertain a lot of people!
Thank you for your comment. This site is a work in progress. Please check out my current site http://www.thejoyofeverydaycooking.blogspot.com. I am getting ready to make an international move and our only computer just died so I may not be as active over the next few weeks. Please don’t give up on me though. I’ll be back in full swing soon. ~ Joy
Well, I am back! Hope you stop by soon to see all the new features!
I love this bruschetta!!