This classic Italian dish is the perfect way to show off the best of summer produce. Juicy tomatoes, fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil come together on top of crispy toast for a flavour-packed snack or starter.
Ingredients
- 4 large tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 baguette, sliced into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) basil leaves, chopped
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine diced tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Place baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Bake for 10 minutes, until crispy.
- Top each toast with tomato mixture and basil leaves. Serve immediately.
What other food it works well with
This dish is best enjoyed on its own as a light snack or starter. However, it would also pair well with a simple green salad.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is using unripe tomatoes. Be sure to choose tomatoes that are red and ripe, but still firm to the touch. Another mistake is not draining the tomatoes before topping the toast. This can result in soggy bread. Be sure to give the tomatoes a good squeeze to remove any excess liquid before adding them to the dish.
Nutritional Information
This dish is relatively low in calories and fat, and is a good source of vitamins A and C. However, it is high in sodium due to the salt added to the tomato mixture. This can be easily reduced by omitting the salt or using a lower-sodium balsamic vinegar.
Allergens
This recipe contains wheat (in the form of the baguette), and may contain traces of nuts, soy and dairy (in the form of olive oil).