Description
Classic French-Italian bruschetta highlights julia child’s innovative culinary approach. Crusty bread, ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil combine for a simple yet elegant appetizer that transports diners straight to Mediterranean kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (470 ml) tomatoes, diced (mix of heirloom, cherry, and “on the vine” tomatoes)
- ½ baguette, sliced into ¼ inch (0.6 cm) pieces
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) basil, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) parmesan, shaved and roughly chopped
- ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove
- ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) balsamic vinegar
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Mince fresh basil and grate Parmesan cheese, then combine with diced ripe tomatoes in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a vibrant base for the bruschetta.
- Seasoning: Incorporate extra virgin olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper into the tomato mixture, allowing the ingredients to meld and develop rich, complex flavors for 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Bread Preparation: Slice baguette diagonally into uniform pieces, then rub halved garlic clove across surfaces for aromatic infusion and brush thoroughly with olive oil on both sides.
- Toasting: Preheat cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium heat, adding additional olive oil, and carefully toast bread slices until achieving a golden-brown, crispy exterior (approximately 3-4 minutes per side).
- Assembling: Sprinkle toasted crostini with sea salt, generously top with marinated tomato mixture, garnish with an additional grinding of black pepper, and serve immediately to preserve the bruschetta’s vibrant taste and textural contrast.
Notes
- Tomato Selection: Choose ripe, firm tomatoes at peak season for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Marination Magic: Letting the tomato mixture rest allows ingredients to meld and develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.
- Bread Toasting Technique: Achieve golden-brown crispness by carefully monitoring heat and turning slices to prevent burning.
- Garlic Infusion: Rubbing garlic clove on warm toast adds subtle, aromatic depth without overwhelming the delicate tomato mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg