Tomato Bruschetta

Duration: 10 min

Difficulty:  Easy

Origin: Lazio

Tomato bruschetta is a very renowned appetizer in the Lazio tradition. Also widespread in many other regions of central and southern Italy (wherever there is fresh tomato), this simple slice of bread with chopped ripe tomato on top has won the hearts of all Italians, anticipating any meal, even a pizza . Simple, tasty, and ready in just a few minutes, it can be a perfect snack or a perfect appetizer. The name bruschetta derives from the verb bruscare which means to toast, hence bruschetta i.e. toasted. There are many versions, some with celery, others with onion, then flavored with oregano or basil. In short, there is something for all tastes

Ingredients

For 4 people:

• 4 slices of homemade bread
• 200 g of ripe tomatoes
• 1 clove of garlic
• Basil leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 red onion (optional)
• salt

How to Proceed

Take the tomatoes and wash them well. Then take a small bowl and start adding the tomatoes cut into very small pieces. Add a good portion of olive oil, salt and if you want other aromas (such as basil or oregano, or pepper). Mix everything well and leave everything to rest for about 30 minutes. This time will be necessary for the added salt to release more liquid from the tomatoes, thus creating the sauce that will soften the bruschetta.

Take the homemade bread and cut nice slices of bread with a thickness ranging from half to a centimeter (depending on your taste). Then divide the slices of bread in half (so as to have the traditional horseshoe shape). Traditionally, in the preparation of bruschetta, this bread should be toasted on a charcoal grill. In the absence of embers, you can use the grill in an oven. The grill will allow the bread to form lines where the bread will be more toasted. This, in addition to increasing the flavor of the bread and its crunchiness, will also increase the aesthetic factor.

Once the bread is toasted, remove it from the grill or the oven and give the surface of the bruscheta a light rub with the garlic clove. Then pour a layer of tomato pieces onto the bread slices.

Serve the tomato bruschetta on a tray or, if you prefer, on a cutting board.