Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil

Bruschetta is an appetizer from Italy consisting of grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper. Topping variations may include red pepper, tomato, vegetable, cured meat and cheese. The most popular recipe involves basil, fresh tomato, garlic and mozzarella. I love the simplicity of this recipe and maximum impact. I always use Italian sourdough bread such as Ciabatta that has a crisp crust and a fairly soft porous texture.

Ingredients

500 g Tomatoes

100 g Red onion

  25 g Basil

150 ml Olive oil

  25 g   Balsamic vinegar

Garlic oil

Method

Quarter the tomatoes and clean out the center for seeds and meat. Finely dice the skin and place in a bowl with diced onion and basil. Add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper to taste.

Brush garlic oil on a piece of sourdough bread and slightly toast both sides, top with the tomato, basil and onion mixture. If you prefer you can place some mozzarella cheese on top and slightly toast under the grill.

Note: Most people rub garlic on the bread instead of using garlic oil. It is easy to make your own by mixing crushed garlic and olive oil. A variation is diced mixed capsicum with some chili or your favourite combination.

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