Bruschetta with tomato & basil Recipe

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This Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil is a fresh and easy recipe, which is made with ripe tomatoes and fresh basil. It’s a classic Italian starter, ready in about 15 minutes.

Bruschetta with tomato & basil Ingredients

A simple, classic list for the ultimate Italian appetizer.

1 large loaf of sourdough or ciabatta bread
1 clove of garlic
2 handfuls of nice mixed-colour ripe tomatoes (about 600g)
½ a bunch of fresh basil (15g)
Good-quality extra virgin olive oil
Good-quality red or white wine vinegar
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

How To Make Bruschetta with tomato & basil

A step-by-step guide to this wonderfully simple and rustic appetizer.

Toast the Bread: Slice the bread about 1cm thick. Heat a barbecue or a griddle pan to a high heat and toast the slices on both sides until they are crisp and have beautiful char marks.
Prepare the Base: While the bread is still hot, cut the garlic clove in half and lightly rub the cut side over the surface of each toast. Drizzle generously with good extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.
Make the Tomato Topping: Remove the cores from the tomatoes and gently squeeze out the watery seeds. Roughly chop the tomato flesh and place it in a bowl. Tear in the fresh basil leaves.
Assemble and Serve: Season the tomato mixture with salt and pepper, then toss with a good lug of olive oil and a good swig of vinegar. Taste and adjust if needed. Spoon the tomato topping onto your prepared bruschetta and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

For the most authentic and flavorful bruschetta every time.

How to get the best flavor? The secret to incredible bruschetta is using the highest quality ingredients. Use the ripest, most flavorful in-season tomatoes you can find, a really good, peppery extra virgin olive oil, and fresh, fragrant basil.
How to prevent soggy bruschetta? The key is to remove the watery seeds from the tomatoes before chopping them. Also, it’s essential to assemble the bruschetta right before you serve it. The longer the topping sits on the toast, the softer the bread will become.
What is the best bread for bruschetta? You need a sturdy, rustic bread with an open crumb that can stand up to the juicy topping. A good quality sourdough, ciabatta, or other country-style loaf is perfect.
Why rub the bread with raw garlic? This is a classic Italian trick. The hot, abrasive surface of the toasted bread acts like a grater, scraping off just enough of the raw garlic to impart its pungent, fragrant flavor without any actual pieces of raw garlic.

What To Serve With Bruschetta

Simple accompaniments for this fresh and light dish.

This classic bruschetta is the perfect starter for any Italian meal or a wonderful appetizer for a party. It pairs beautifully with:

A glass of crisp Italian white wine, like Pinot Grigio, or a light red wine.
As part of a larger antipasto platter with olives, cured meats, and cheeses.
A simple arugula salad.

How To Store Bruschetta

This dish is best enjoyed immediately.

Best Eaten Fresh: Bruschetta is all about the textural contrast between the crisp, warm toast and the fresh, juicy topping. It should always be assembled and eaten right away.
Storing Components: If you need to prep ahead, you can make the tomato topping (without the basil and vinegar) and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Toast the bread and add the final touches to the topping just before serving.

Bruschetta with tomato & basil Nutrition Facts

An estimated guide per slice.

Calories: 180 kcal
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 7 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

What’s the difference between bruschetta and crostini?

The main difference is the bread. Bruschetta (from the Italian word u0022bruscare,u0022 meaning u0022to roast over coalsu0022) is typically made with larger, thicker slices of rustic bread that are grilled. Crostini (u0022little toastsu0022) are usually made from smaller, thinner slices of bread, like a baguette, that are toasted until uniformly crisp.

Can I make this on a regular barbecue?

Yes, a barbecue is perfect for this! Grilling the bread over hot coals will give it an even better smoky flavor.

Can I add cheese to this?

Absolutely. For a delicious twist, you can add small, torn pieces of fresh buffalo mozzarella or a few shavings of Parmesan cheese to the tomato topping.

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