A classic Italian dish, bruschetta is the perfect appetizer or light meal. Made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil, it’s simple to make and simply delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 grams) ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon (7.5 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 loaf (225 grams) crusty bread, sliced
- 1/4 cup (60 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) chopped fresh basil
Method
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar. Set aside.
3. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, or until lightly browned.
4. Remove from oven and top with the tomato mixture. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and basil.
5. Serve immediately.
Potential changes & improvements
For a spicier bruschetta, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato mixture.
If you can’t find ripe tomatoes, you can substitute with 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, drained.
What other food it works well with
Bruschetta is delicious on its own, but it also goes well with other Italian dishes such as pasta, salad, or soup.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is to use too much olive oil in the tomato mixture. The olive oil should be used to enhance the flavor of the tomatoes, not overpower it.
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 slice
Calories: 210
Fat: 10 grams
Saturated fat: 2 grams
Unsaturated fat: 8 grams
Trans fat: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 26 grams
Sugar: 4 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Protein: 7 grams
Cholesterol: 5 milligrams
Sodium: 505 milligrams
Allergens
This recipe contains wheat, dairy, and eggs.