Italian-American Style Tomato Bruschetta

Ingredients

Italian-American Style Tomato Bruschetta is a variation of the Mauritian dish Chatini Requin. While Chatini Requin typically includes shark meat, this Italian-American adaptation replaces the meat with fresh tomatoes, making it suitable for vegetarian diets. The flavors are also adjusted to suit the Italian-American cuisine, incorporating ingredients like basil, garlic, and balsamic vinegar, which are commonly used in Italian cooking. We alse have the original recipe for Chatini requin, so you can check it out.

• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced (480g) 4 ripe tomatoes, diced (480g)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (10g) 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (10g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (30ml) 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (30ml)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (30ml) 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (30ml)
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces (250g) 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces (250g)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 26g, 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and set aside.
3. 3.
   Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush them lightly with olive oil.
4. 4.
   Toast the bread slices in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
5. 5.
   Remove the toasted bread from the oven and let it cool slightly.
6. 6.
   Spoon the tomato mixture generously onto each toasted bread slice.
7. 7.
   Serve immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If they are not in season, you can use canned diced tomatoes as a substitute.
• Baguette — Opt for a crusty baguette with a soft interior. Slicing the bread into thick pieces ensures a sturdy base for the toppings.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, drizzle a little bit of honey over the tomato mixture before spooning it onto the toasted bread.
• If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can roast the minced garlic in a small pan with a little olive oil before adding it to the tomato mixture.
• Experiment with different types of bread, such as ciabatta or sourdough, to add variety to your bruschetta.

Serving advice

Serve the Italian-American Style Tomato Bruschetta as an appetizer before a pasta dish or as a light lunch alongside a fresh salad. It pairs well 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 a little extra balsamic vinegar on top for an elegant touch. The vibrant colors of the tomatoes and basil will make the dish visually appealing.