Bruschettas

Bruschettas are a very popular snack in Italy, perfect both as an appetizer and to accompany an aperitif. Here’s how to prepare simple and delicious tomato bruschettas:

Ingredients

• Slices of homemade bread or baguette
• Ripe tomatoes
• Garlic
• Fresh basil
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper (optional)

Preparation

1. Start by toasting the bread slices. This can be done in several ways: on the grill, in a frying pan, or in the oven. The important thing is that they become nice and crispy.
2. While the bread is toasting, wash the tomatoes and dice them. Put them in a bowl.
3. Mince a clove of garlic and add it to the diced tomatoes, or rub the garlic directly onto the toasted bread for a milder flavor.
4. Tear some fresh basil leaves and mix them with the tomatoes.
5. Season with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and a pinch of pepper if you want a spicy touch.
6. When the bread is toasted, distribute the mixture of tomatoes, garlic, and basil on the slices.
7. Finish with a raw drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and, if you like, a sprinkling of coarse salt.

Trivia

The bruschetta, from the Tuscan verb “bruscare” meaning “to roast over coals”, is a dish with very ancient origins. In the past, farmers used it to test the freshness of the new oil and to not waste leftover bread, which was made crisp and tasty again through toasting.

If you’re feeling creative, you can add other ingredients according to your taste: mozzarella, prosciutto, arugula, pesto, olives… the variations are endless!