Antipasti > Italian > Bruschetta

Fresh Tomato & Basil Bruschetta Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 loaf of Italian bread, sliced
- 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Grill or grill pan

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush the bread slices with olive oil on both sides.
3. Grill the bread slices for 1-2 minutes on each side until they are lightly toasted.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, and remaining olive oil.
5. Season the tomato mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Spoon the tomato mixture onto the grilled bread slices.
7. Serve immediately.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 4-6 minutes
Temperature:
- Grill or grill pan: medium-high heat
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Italian bread can be substituted with French bread or baguette.
- Extra virgin olive oil can be substituted with regular olive oil or vegetable oil.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil.

Variations:
- Add diced red onion or balsamic vinegar to the tomato mixture for added flavor.
- Top the bruschetta with fresh mozzarella cheese before serving.
- Use different types of bread, such as sourdough or ciabatta.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brush the bread slices with enough olive oil to prevent them from sticking to the grill.
- Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Chopping the basil finely will release more flavor.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover tomato mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the bruschetta, place the bread slices in a toaster oven or under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the bruschetta on a platter and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves.

Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves

Pairings:
- This bruschetta pairs well with a light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio.

Suggested side dishes:
- Serve the bruschetta with a side salad or grilled vegetables.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the bread slices are sticking to the grill, brush them with more olive oil.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the tomatoes and basil before using them in the recipe.

Food history:
- Bruschetta originated in Italy and was traditionally made with grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with olive oil and salt.

Flavor profiles:
- This bruschetta is fresh and flavorful with the sweetness of the tomatoes and the herbaceousness of the basil.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the bruschetta as an appetizer or as a light lunch or dinner.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Herby, Tangy, Fresh, Garlicky