Bruschetta with tomatoes and basil
This classic Italian starter is great for a party or large gathering. Bruschetta is made with basic ingredients and is quickly prepared.
Ingredients
- 6 plum tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 baguette
- 4 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp coarse ground black pepper
- 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
Directions
Recipe instructions Bruschetta with tomatoes and basil
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Step 1
Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Place a rack in the middle of your oven and preheat it to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Dice the tomatoes into pencil eraser-sized pieces.
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Step 2
Deseed the tomatoes. Place them in a colander and agitate them, gently pressing down, so the seeds slip through the holes.
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Step 3
Salt the tomatoes. Sprinkle liberally and mix to incorporate the salt throughout. Wait 20 minutes for the salt to force the juices out of the tomatoes.
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Step 4
While the salt is working its magic on the tomatoes, cut your baguette on the diagonal into inch-thick pieces.
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Step 5
Brush the olive oil onto both sides of the slices. Place them on the lined sheet pan and toast them for about five minutes or until lightly golden.
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Step 6
Agitate the tomatoes once more to release juices. Mince the garlic and chop the basil. Add the garlic, basil, and pepper to the tomatoes.
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Step 7
Add 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the tomatoes. Mix to incorporate. Taste the mixture and add more salt, pepper, and balsamic if necessary.
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Step 8
Top each toasted baguette slice with a heaping tablespoon of the tomato mixture.
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Step 9
Transfer the bruschetta to a serving platter. Serve immediately.
