Time
30 min
Serving
6 persons
Calories
162
Tomato & Basil Bruschetta is a delicious and mouth watering Italian appetizer. It is a quick and easy recipe made from fresh and simple ingredients.
Bruschetta comes from the Italian word ‘bruscare’ which means “to roast over coals.” In its simplest form, Bruschetta requires that bread be toasted over real coals or grilled, then rubbed down with slices of raw garlic, drizzled with olive oil and finished with a little bit of sea salt and fresh pepper. Variations may include toppings of tomato, vegetables, beans, cured meat, basil, onion, mozzarella or cheese.
The right type of bread and tomatoes play an important role in the making of this dish. You should typically use thick slices of a good rustic bread like French baguette or Italian bread. For best results, the tomatoes should be fully ripe, red and juicy.
While Bruschetta is usually served as a snack or appetizer, it can also be paired with green salad or a bowl of soup to get a perfect light meal. Although it can be enjoyed during any time of the year, it's refreshing flavors make it especially popular in the summer months.
Ingredients
- French bread: 1 baguette (or italian bread)
- tomatoes: 6 piece (finely chopped)
- basil leaves: 0.3 cup (1/3 cup, chopped)
- garlic: 2 clove (minced)
- balsamic vinegar: 1 Tbsp
- olive oil: 1 tsp
- black pepper powder: 0.5 tsp
- salt: 0.5 tsp (or to taste)
- butter: 1 Tbsp (optional)
- garlic powder: 0.5 tsp (optional)
Metric Conversion
Stages of cooking
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In a big bowl, combine finely chopped tomatoes, chopped or thinly sliced basil leaves and minced garlic.
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Add 1 tablespoon of Balsamic Vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Olive Oil, 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Powder and 1/2 teaspoon Salt, or to taste.
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Mix all the ingredients well and let the mixture sit for an hour on the countertop or in the refrigerator, if you have the time. This allows for the all the flavors to blend together.
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Slice a French baguette or an Italian bread diagonally into 1/2 inch thick slices.
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Brush the bread slices with butter or olive oil. Optionally, you can also add 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder to the butter or oil before brushing it on the bread. Toast or bake the bread slices till they are crispy and golden brown.
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Spoon the tomato mixture generously over the toasted bread slices and serve immediately. You can also place the bread and tomato mixture separately and let people top it themselves.
