Tomato and basil bruschetta

Tomato and basil bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer, perfect for any occasion. This dish, in addition to being quick to prepare, is full of fresh, Mediterranean flavors. For maximum flavor, choose high-quality ingredients, such as homemade bread, ripe tomatoes, and extra virgin olive oil. Follow these detailed steps to prepare the perfect bruschetta.

Ingredients

For about 4 tomato and basil bruschettas

• 4 slices of homemade bread
• 2 ripe tomatoes
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 5-6 leaves of fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Balsamic vinegar (optional)

Preparation

How to make tomato and basil bruschetta:

1. Prepare the bread: Cut the homemade bread into slices about 1-2 cm thick. If you have stale bread, it’s even better: once toasted, it will become crunchy and tasty.
2. Toast the bread: Arrange the slices on a hot grill or on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 5 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking. If you use a non-stick pan, you can lightly brush the bread with extra virgin olive oil for an even more intense flavor.
3. Flavor with garlic: Rub each slice with a peeled clove of garlic to give a strong but balanced aroma, without covering the flavor of the tomatoes.
4. Prepare the dressing: Wash the ripe tomatoes thoroughly and cut them into small cubes, removing the watery inner part if necessary. Collect them in a bowl and season them with extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper and, if desired, a pinch of oregano or chopped basil. Let it flavor for at least 10 minutes.
5. Assemble the bruschetta: Evenly distribute the seasoned tomatoes on the slices of toasted bread. Add fresh basil leaves torn with your hands to keep their aroma intact.
6. Serve and enjoy: If you want to give a gourmet touch to your tomato and basil bruschetta, you can add a few drops of balsamic vinegar or a drizzle of flavored oil. Serve immediately to enjoy the crunchiness of the bread and the freshness of the dressing. If you have stale bread, use it! It will become crunchy and tasty. 😋

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Sustainable Tips ♻️

Using stale bread not only helps reduce food waste, but also gives a crispier and tastier texture to bruschetta. Buying organic and locally sourced tomatoes guarantees a more authentic taste and helps support the local agricultural economy, reducing CO₂ emissions related to transportation. Furthermore, growing fresh basil at home is an excellent sustainable practice: it is easy to care for, requires little water and ensures a condiment always available, without plastic packaging. If possible, use extra virgin olive oil from local producers for an additional environmental and qualitative benefit.

If you want to learn more about the importance of a conscious and sustainable diet, you can consult useful resources such as:

• FAO – Food Waste and Sustainability – A FAO resource that provides data, strategies and practical advice for reducing food waste at a domestic and global level.
• Greenpeace – Food and Agriculture – This page delves into the impact of industrial agricultural practices and intensive farming. It offers solutions to make the food system more sustainable through conscious choices.