Tomato Bruschetta
Charred bread rubbed hard with raw garlic, doused in olive oil, and piled with tomatoes that have been salted just long enough to concentrate. The Italian original is a lesson in how few ingredients a great appetiser needs.
Method
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Toss the diced tomatoes with half the salt in a sieve set over a bowl and leave to drain for 15 minutes.
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Grill or char the bread over a hot griddle, or under a grill, for 2 minutes a side until well marked and dry to the touch.
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While the toast is still hot, rub each slice firmly with a cut garlic clove — the rough surface acts like a grater.
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Drizzle each slice with olive oil and let it soak in for a minute.
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Toss the drained tomatoes with the basil, remaining salt, pepper and the rest of the olive oil.
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Spoon on top just before serving. Bruschetta waits for no one — assemble it at the table if you can.
Chef’s Tips
- Save the drained tomato juice and drink it, or use it to dress a salad. It is intensely flavoured.
- A stale-ish loaf grills better than a fresh one, holding structure under the topping.
- Use the best olive oil you own here — it is a raw ingredient, not a cooking fat.
Pairing Suggestions
- Prosecco or a dry Frascati
- Serve alongside olives and cured meats as part of an antipasto
- Follow with pasta al pomodoro
Storage & Reheating
The tomato topping keeps 2 days refrigerated and is excellent on pasta. Toast fresh bread each time; pre-assembled bruschetta goes soggy within 20 minutes.
Nutritional Highlights
Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.