Bruschetta
Ingredients
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- 1 1/2 pounds ripe tomatoes – cored, seeded, and 0.5-inch diced (~6 medium tomatos)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves – thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 12 slices rustic Italian bread – cut 0.5-inch thick
Instructions
1. Combine the diced tomatoes in a bowl with 1 finely minced clove of garlic (halve the second clove lengthwise and reserve), the basil, extra-virgin olive oil (reserve 2 tbsp for drizzling later), kosher salt, and black pepper; toss and let stand 10–15 minutes to marinate while you heat the grill or broiler.
2. Grill or broil the rustic Italian bread slices until crisp at the edges and lightly charred, 2–3 minutes per side.
3. While hot, rub each toast with the reserved halved piece, then spoon on the mixture and drizzle with the reserved oil. Serve at once while the bread is crisp and the topping is juicy.
Bruschetta is a simple, vibrant antipasto built on thick slices of toasted country bread that are rubbed with garlic, anointed with olive oil, and crowned with a fresh tomato–basil topping. The contrast is the appeal: crackling, warm bread against cool, juicy tomatoes, perfumed basil, and peppery oil. It’s light yet satisfying, emphasizing ripe produce and excellent olive oil with a clean, sunlit flavor.
Originating in central Italy, the name comes from bruscare, meaning to toast over coals—traditionally done to test and savor the season’s new oil. The base of grilled bread, garlic, and oil is the core; toppings vary by region and season, from tomatoes to grilled vegetables or cured meats. The tomato-basil version has become the most recognized worldwide, showcasing Italy’s habit of turning a few perfect ingredients into something memorable.