Bruschetta

Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer (antipasto) which requires very few but basic ingredients. The main requirements are bread, tomatoes & olive oil. It became an absolute favourite in our home after our Italy trip a few years back! If you have never had this fresh and delicious appetizer, please try one and I am sure it will become one of your favourites too :)
Servings: 4 yield(s)
Ingredients
  • 1 Italian bread (Baguette)
  • 10 fresh tomatoes
  • 1/2 onion
  • 4 cloves of garlic
  • few pinch sea salt and fresh ground pepper
  • 4 basil leaves
  • 2 tsp. balsamic vinegar (optional)
Instructions
  1. Dice tomatoes, removing all the seeds by squeezing them out.
  2. Peel & chop onion & garlic very fine. Chop basil into fine chiffons.
  3. Slice the baguette diagonally into half inch thick slices.
  4. Preheat oven to 450° F.
  5. Heat a tbsp. of EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) in a pan and lightly saute the onions and garlic, adding the salt & pepper to taste. Do not brown the onions, but this is only to remove the raw taste of onions. Remove into a bowl & mix in the chopped tomatoes. Alternatively, you can just mix all the onion, tomatoes, basil & garlic with oil, salt & pepper.
  6. Using a pastry brush, brush a little olive oil onto the bread slices. Place them oil side down on a large baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the oven on the middle rack for about 5 to 6 minutes. The bread should be toasted nicely.
  7. Remove from oven & arrange the bread slices on a serving platter. Place with the toppings on each slice just before serving. Enjoy!