Classic Tomato Bruschetta

Ingredients

• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced (480g) 4 ripe tomatoes, diced (480g)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons (30ml) balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil leaves, chopped 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
• Olive oil for brushing Olive oil for brushing

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 24g (Sugar: 4g)
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. 3.
   Meanwhile, brush the baguette slices with olive oil on both sides and arrange them on a baking sheet. Toast in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
4. 4.
   Remove the toasted baguette slices from the oven and let them cool slightly.
5. 5.
   Spoon the marinated tomato mixture generously onto each slice of toasted baguette.
6. 6.
   Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If they are not in season, you can use cherry tomatoes instead.
• Baguette — Opt for a crusty baguette with a soft interior. Slicing it into thick pieces ensures a satisfying crunch.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, rub the toasted baguette slices with a cut garlic clove before adding the tomato mixture.
• Experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough or ciabatta, to add variety to your bruschetta.
• If you prefer a milder taste, remove the seeds and pulp from the tomatoes before dicing them.
• Drizzle a little extra balsamic vinegar on top of the bruschetta just before serving for an added tangy kick.
• To make it a heartier meal, top the bruschetta with mozzarella cheese and broil until melted and bubbly.

Serving advice

Serve the tomato bruschetta as an appetizer before a main course or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired meal. It pairs perfectly with a glass of chilled white wine.

Presentation advice

Arrange the bruschetta slices on a platter, garnish with a few fresh basil leaves, and drizzle with a touch of olive oil for an elegant presentation. The vibrant colors of the tomatoes and basil will make the dish visually appealing.