Sep 04 2026

Bruschetta Pomodoro V N Recipe

Time35m
Serves6

BABY PLUM TOMATOES, RED ONION, BASIL & PESTO ON HOMEMADE TOASTED BREAD

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Ingredients

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Toasted Bread

Tomato Topping

Method

Toasted Bread

  1. 1

    Slice and oil

    Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Slice the loaf into 12 pieces about 1–1.5 cm thick. Arrange slices on a baking sheet. Brush both sides lightly with 3 tbs olive oil and sprinkle the 1 tsp salt evenly across the slices.

  2. 2

    Toast

    Toast in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp, flipping halfway through. If you prefer a grill char, you can grill 1–2 minutes per side instead.

  3. 3

    Rub garlic

    Remove toasted slices from oven and while still warm, rub the cut side of the halved garlic clove over the top of each slice to impart a gentle garlic aroma. Set aside on a rack to cool slightly.

Pesto (Vegan)

  1. 4

    Blend pesto

    In a small food processor or blender, combine 40 g basil leaves, 30 g toasted pine nuts (or walnuts), 1 garlic clove, 2 tsp nutritional yeast, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Pulse while drizzling in 60 ml extra-virgin olive oil until a slightly loose, spreadable pesto forms. Taste and adjust salt, lemon or oil for desired consistency. Transfer to a small bowl.

Tomato Topping

  1. 5

    Prepare tomatoes and onion

    Halve the 400 g baby plum tomatoes lengthwise (or quarter any that are very large). Finely dice the small red onion into small uniform pieces (about 1–3 mm). Place tomatoes and onion in a mixing bowl.

  2. 6

    Dress the tomatoes

    Add 2 tbs extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tbs red wine vinegar, 1 tsp sea salt and 1 tsp black pepper to the tomato-onion bowl. Toss gently to coat. Let sit 5–10 minutes so the tomatoes macerate and release a little juice.

  3. 7

    Add basil

    Thinly chiffonade or tear 15 g fresh basil leaves and fold them into the tomato mixture just before assembly to preserve bright color and aroma.

Assembly & Finishing

  1. 8

    Spread pesto on toast

    Spread about 1 teaspoon of the vegan pesto onto each warm toasted bread slice, leaving a small border to prevent sogginess.

  2. 9

    Top with tomato mixture

    Spoon the dressed tomato and onion mixture generously over each pesto-coated toast, allowing a little of the juices to come along for extra flavor but avoiding excess that would soak the bread.

  3. 10

    Garnish and serve

    If using, lightly drizzle 1 tsp balsamic reduction or a few drops of good balsamic vinegar over the bruschetta. Garnish each piece with a fresh basil leaf. Serve immediately so the toast remains crisp.