Bruschetta

Pronounced bruh·sheh·tuh

Bruschetta is served cold as a starter and is an Italian antipasto.  Grilled toasted slices bread, drizzled with olive oil, rubbed with garlic and served with toppings of tomatoes and chopped fresh basil.  Variations in toppings include onion, beans, vegetables, cured meats and cheese.  This recipe is with tomatoes and basil only for topping, yet super delicious and fresh tasting and one of the simplest and quickest to make.  Ingredients required are very few but make sure they are very fresh and of top quality to bring out the best flavors in the Bruschetta!

Ingredients

• 1 large baguette or any crusty bread
• 2 large or 4 medium, ripe tomatoes
• 4 to 6 tbsp. olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• ¼ cup Basil leaves
• Salt, as required

Wash and cut tomatoes into halves and scoop out the pulp and seeds. Chop the tomatoes into small pieces and transfer to a bowl.  Mix with half the olive oil and set aside.  Grate or chop the garlic fine and add to a bowl with the remaining olive oil.  Keep aside until required.  At the time of serving, slice bread into slices (as thin as you can).  Toast the bread slices in a toaster or place in a tray and toast in the oven for 5 to 8 minutes till crisp.  Brush the slices with the olive oil and garlic and top with chopped marinated tomatoes and sprinkle with salt (sea salt is preferable).  Then garnish with freshly chopped basil and drizzle a little olive oil.  Serve immediately  as a starter or with soup as an appetiser.