Bruschetta Romana with Tomato and Basil

Ingredients

• 4 slices of rustic bread (200g) 4 slices of rustic bread (200g)
• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced (400g) 4 ripe tomatoes, diced (400g)
• 1 clove of garlic, minced 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 8 fresh basil leaves, chopped 8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (30ml) 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (30ml)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 1.5g)
• Carbohydrates: 34g (Sugar: 5g)
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
3. 3.
   In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. 4.
   Remove the toasted bread from the oven and let it cool slightly.
5. 5.
   Rub each slice of bread with a garlic clove for an extra burst of flavor.
6. 6.
   Spoon the tomato mixture onto the bread slices, ensuring an even distribution.
7. 7.
   Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
8. 8.
   Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors of Bruschetta Romana.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If they are not in season, you can use cherry tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes as a substitute.
• Basil — Use fresh basil leaves for their aromatic flavor. If unavailable, you can use dried basil, but reduce the quantity by half.
• Bread — Opt for a rustic bread with a sturdy crust, such as ciabatta or baguette, to hold up well to the toppings.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top of the bruschetta.
• To add a creamy element, you can spread a thin layer of ricotta cheese or goat cheese on the bread before adding the tomato mixture.
• Experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough or whole grain, to add depth to the flavors.
• If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, lightly rub the bread with a halved garlic clove instead of mincing it.
• To make the bruschetta more substantial, you can top it with slices of fresh mozzarella or prosciutto.

Serving advice

Serve the Bruschetta Romana as an appetizer before a main course or as a light lunch. It pairs well with a crisp white wine or a refreshing sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon.

Presentation advice

Arrange the bruschetta slices on a platter, garnishing them with a few whole basil leaves for an elegant touch. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top and sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper for a visually appealing presentation.