Name: Peterlins Tomato Bruschetta Recipe
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups ripe tomatoes (Roma or vine-ripe); 1 cups fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced; 0.5 cups red onion, finely diced; 2 tbs garlic cloves, minced; 3 tbs extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional); 1 tsp sea salt; 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 loaf baguette or rustic Italian bread; 2 tbs extra-virgin olive oil (for brushing); 1 clove garlic clove (for rubbing); 0.5 cups optional: grated Parmesan or shaved Pecorino

Method

Bruschetta topping

Prep tomatoes

Core and dice the tomatoes into roughly 1/4- to 1/2-inch pieces. If tomatoes are very juicy, scoop out seeds and excess juice into a bowl (reserve a tablespoon of juice if you like extra moisture). Place diced tomatoes in a medium mixing bowl.

Combine aromatics and season

Add the finely diced red onion, minced garlic, and sliced basil to the tomatoes. Drizzle 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil and 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (if using) over the mixture. Season with 1 teaspoon sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Gently toss to combine.

Rest to meld flavors

Let the tomato mixture sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes (or up to 30 minutes refrigerated) to allow flavors to marry. Taste and adjust seasoning (more salt, pepper, or oil) as desired before assembly.

Bread and assembly

Slice and toast bread

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Slice the baguette on the diagonal into 1/2-inch thick slices (about 12-16 slices depending on loaf). Arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer. Brush the top of each slice with about 2 tablespoons total olive oil (or brush both sides lightly). Toast in the oven for 6-8 minutes until edges are golden and crisp. For extra char, broil 30-60 seconds more while watching carefully.

Rub with garlic

Remove toasted bread from oven. While still warm, rub the cut side of the whole garlic clove over the top surface of each toast to impart a subtle garlic flavor.

Assemble bruschetta

Spoon a generous tablespoon (or more) of the tomato topping onto each toasted slice, letting any excess liquid drain back into the bowl. If using, sprinkle a light dusting (about 1/2 cup divided) of grated Parmesan or shaved Pecorino over the bruschetta.

Serve

Arrange finished bruschetta on a platter and serve immediately so bread stays crisp. Optionally garnish with a few extra basil leaves and a small drizzle of olive oil.