Crostini Toscani with Tomato and Basil

Ingredients

• 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces (250g) 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces (250g)
• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced (400g) 4 ripe tomatoes, diced (400g)
• 1 garlic clove, peeled 1 garlic clove, peeled
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (60ml) 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (60ml)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (10g) 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (10g)
• Sea salt, to taste Sea salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 27g, 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
3. 3.
   Remove the toasted baguette slices from the oven and let them cool slightly.
4. 4.
   Rub each slice with the peeled garlic clove.
5. 5.
   Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the slices.
6. 6.
   In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped basil, and a pinch of sea salt. Mix well.
7. 7.
   Spoon the tomato and basil mixture onto each toasted baguette slice.
8. 8.
   Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors of Crostini Toscani.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Baguette — Choose a crusty baguette with a soft interior for the best texture in the crostini.
• Tomatoes — Opt for ripe and juicy tomatoes to enhance the flavor of the dish.
• Basil — Use fresh basil leaves for their aromatic and vibrant taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, you can add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper on top of the crostini.
• If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, lightly rub the garlic clove on the bread instead of pressing firmly.
• Experiment with different types of bread, such as ciabatta or sourdough, to add variety to your crostini.

Serving advice

Serve the Crostini Toscani as an appetizer at a dinner party or as a light snack. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with a few basil leaves for an elegant presentation.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the assembled crostini and sprinkle some freshly chopped basil on top. The vibrant colors of the tomatoes and basil will make the dish even more enticing.