Description
A fresh and vibrant Italian appetizer featuring toasted baguette slices topped with a flavorful mixture of ripe tomatoes, red onion, garlic, and basil, enhanced by balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. Perfect for a light snack or party starter, ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomato Mixture
- ½ small red onion, finely chopped
- 8 medium tomatoes (about 500g), coarsely chopped and drained
- 2-3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 6-8 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
- 30ml balsamic vinegar
- 60-80ml extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Bread
- 1 baguette or ciabatta loaf, sliced
- Extra olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomato Mixture: In a bowl, combine the coarsely chopped and drained tomatoes with finely chopped red onion, crushed garlic cloves, and finely chopped fresh basil leaves.
- Add Dressing and Seasoning: Drizzle the tomato mixture with 30ml balsamic vinegar and 60-80ml extra virgin olive oil, then stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Let the Flavors Marinate: Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
- Preheat for Toasting Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat a grill pan over medium heat to prepare the bread slices for toasting.
- Brush Bread with Olive Oil: Lightly brush both sides of the baguette or ciabatta slices with extra virgin olive oil to ensure a crispy and golden finish when toasted.
- Toast the Bread: Place the bread slices in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or grill them on the pan for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Assemble the Bruschetta: Generously spoon the marinated tomato mixture onto each toasted bread slice, making sure to distribute the toppings evenly.
- Serve Immediately: Optionally garnish with extra fresh basil leaves and serve the bruschetta right away to enjoy the fresh flavors and crispy texture.
Notes
- Drain the tomatoes well before mixing to avoid soggy bread.
- Balsamic vinegar can be adjusted according to your preferred tanginess.
- Use day-old bread for better toasting results.
- Bruschetta is best served fresh to maintain the crispiness of the bread.
- Optional: Add a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan or mozzarella for variation.
