Ingredients
Tomato Mixture
- Fresh ripe tomatoes (cherry tomatoes can also be used) – approximately 1 cup, chopped
- Fresh basil leaves – a handful, torn or whole
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- Extra virgin olive oil – generous amount, about 2 tablespoons
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
Bread and Garnish
- Sourdough bread (Pane di casa), fresh or day-old – 4 slices (2 per person)
- 1 garlic clove – whole, for rubbing on toasted bread
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomato Mixture: Wash tomatoes thoroughly, then chop them roughly but finely into a bowl, capturing all the juice. Add crushed garlic, extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh basil leaves (torn or whole). Mix well with hands or a spoon and allow the mixture to rest for 10-20 minutes at room temperature or refrigerated.
- Toast the Bread: Choose one method to toast the sourdough slices: Skillet – heat the skillet on high until very hot, then place bread slices and cook for a few minutes until golden with grill lines, turning to toast both sides; Toaster – toast bread slices to desired firmness; Oven – preheat oven grill/broiler with fan setting, place bread slices on baking paper, and grill until golden.
- Garlic Rub: Immediately after toasting, rub the whole garlic clove on the top-side of each bread slice while warm to impart garlic flavor.
- Assemble the Bruschetta: Spoon juice from the tomato mixture onto each bread slice, then top generously with the tomatoes and a few fresh basil pieces. For cherry tomatoes, after adding crushed garlic and EVOO as in the mixture, halve each cherry tomato and squeeze juice directly onto bread by squashing the halves, then cover with tomato halves and basil.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately as a fresh, flavorful appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Using day-old sourdough bread enhances the toasting quality and crustiness for bruschetta.
- You can use cherry tomatoes instead of regular ripe tomatoes for a slightly different texture and sweetness.
- The tomato mixture resting time allows flavors to meld and juices to develop, enhancing taste.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and olive oil to your preference for stronger or milder flavors.
- Serve immediately after assembling to keep bread crispy and tomatoes fresh.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian