Appetizer: Italy – Tuscany – Bruschetta al Pomodoro e Basilico (Tomato-Basil Crostini)

Serving Size: 6

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 6 min

Additional 15 min

Total 35 min

Ingredients

- 1 lb (450 g) ripe tomatoes (Roma or vine-ripe), seeded and finely diced
- 1 loaf (about 12 oz / 340 g) rustic Italian loaf or baguette, sliced 1/2 inch (1.2 cm) thick
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, plus 1–2 tbsp (15–30 ml) for brushing bread
- 1 large garlic clove, minced (about 3–4 g)
- 1 large garlic clove, whole, peeled (for rubbing toasted bread)
- 12 large fresh basil leaves, torn or thinly sliced
- 1 tsp (5 g) kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp (0.5 g) freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) red wine vinegar or 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) lemon juice (optional, to brighten)
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the tomato topping: place the diced tomatoes in a bowl; add the minced garlic, 3 tbsp (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, torn basil, 1 tsp (5 g) kosher salt, 1/4 tsp (0.5 g) black pepper, and the red wine vinegar or lemon juice if using. Stir gently to combine and let sit at room temperature 10–15 minutes to marry flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning.
2. Toast the bread: preheat a grill pan or broiler to medium-high. Brush both sides of each bread slice lightly with 1–2 tbsp (15–30 ml) olive oil. Arrange on the grill pan or a baking sheet and toast until golden and crisp on both sides, about 1–2 minutes per side under a broiler or 2–3 minutes per side on a hot grill pan.
3. Rub the toast with garlic: while warm, rub one side of each toasted slice with the whole peeled garlic clove to impart a subtle garlic aroma.
4. Assemble: using a slotted spoon to avoid excess liquid, spoon the tomato mixture onto each garlic-rubbed toast, dividing evenly. Drizzle a little extra-virgin olive oil over the assembled bruschette and finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt if desired.
5. Serve immediately at room temperature so the bread stays crisp; garnish with a few extra basil strips if desired.