Fresh Tomato Toasts (Bruschetta di Pomodori)
Ingredients:
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 6 fresh basil leaves, torn into small pieces
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar
- Coarse salt, to taste
- 8 slices coarse country bread, each about 1/2 inch
thick - 2 large garlic cloves
Directions:
In a bowl, combine the tomatoes, basil, olive oil, vinegar and salt and toss well.
Place the bread on a baking sheet or grill rack and broil or grill, turning once, until lightly toasted on both sides, about 2 minutes total. Remove from the broiler or grill and immediately rub one side of each slice with the garlic cloves.
Arrange the grilled bread, garlic side up, on a serving platter and spoon on the tomatoes, dividing evenly. Serve immediately. Serves 4.
Adapted from Savoring Italy, by Michele Scicolone (Time-Life Books, 1999).