Description
This classic Tomato and Basil Bruschetta recipe combines fresh, ripe tomatoes with fragrant basil and garlic atop toasted rustic bread, seasoned with extra-virgin olive oil for a vibrant and flavorful Italian appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomato Mixture
- 4–5 medium, ripe, organic tomatoes
- 1 clove of garlic
- 12 fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper to taste
Bread and Dressing
- 4 slices of fresh rustic bread
- Extra-virgin olive oil (about 8 tablespoons, for bread dressing, 2 tablespoons per slice)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel Tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes and make a cross-cut “X” at the bottom. Blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately transfer to ice water to cool. Peel off the skins, cut tomatoes into quarters, remove seeds, and dice into uniform half-inch pieces.
- Season Tomatoes: Place the peeled and diced tomatoes in a bowl. Add 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper to taste, and torn basil leaves. Mix well and let the mixture stand for 20-30 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Prepare Bread: Cut the rustic bread diagonally into four slices.
- Make Bread Dressing: Pour about 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil per slice into a flat dish. Season the oil with salt and black pepper according to your taste.
- Season Bread: Dip each bread slice on one side only into the oil dressing, ensuring the entire surface is evenly coated.
- Toast the Bread: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle pan over high heat. Place the bread slices with the oiled side down. Press the slices lightly to toast evenly until golden brown and crispy. Turn off the heat and transfer the toasted bread to a serving plate.
- Garlic Rub: Peel the garlic clove and while the toasted bread is still warm, rub the garlic on the crusty surface to impart its aroma and flavor.
- Assemble Bruschetta: Spoon the marinated tomato mixture generously over the garlic-rubbed side of the toasted bread. Optionally, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato mixture.
- Use day-old rustic bread for better toasting results and texture.
- You can substitute fresh basil with fresh oregano or parsley if preferred.
- Ensure tomatoes are ripe and flavorful to maximize taste.
- Serve bruschetta fresh to avoid soggy bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Bruschetta, Tomato Bruschetta, Basil Bruschetta, Italian appetizer, Rustic bread, Garlic bread, Easy Italian recipe, Fresh tomatoes
