Tomato & Basil Bruschetta - Bruschetta al Pomodoro

Bruschetta is a popular Italian appetizer/antipasto. Its made by grilling the bread drizzled with olive oil & topped with toppings which are available in wide variety. The most basic & famous is Tomato & Basil Bruschetta also known as Bruschetta al Pomodoro which is the recipe for today's post. Pomodoro in other words is a mixture of of olive oil, fresh tomatoes & basil seasoned with salt & pepper and is also used with pasta. 

I've used french bread for this recipe as that was getting freshly baked when I went grocery shopping. But feel free to use any bread of choice like Italian, Baguette or any crusty long loaf. This is such an easy snacking recipe and my favorite that if I don't have long loaf at hand then I simply put this tomato basil mixture over a toasted sandwich bread slice & relish it. Also I've used oven to grill/toast my bread but you could also do it over a stove top using a grill pan. The quantity of the ingredients can be adjusted to taste like if you like it to be more garlic or basil flavor go ahead & add some more to suit your taste. 

Now to the recipe....

Ingredients: 

1/2 of the crusty long loaf  (I've used french loaf for this recipe)
3 medium sized tomatoes
2 garlic cloves
1 tbsp of finely chopped onion
5-6 basil leaves (or to taste)
1 tsp of dry oregano 
2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil & some more for drizzling over the bread
salt & black pepper to taste

Method: 

Preheat the oven to 350F. Line the baking tray with aluminium foil & keep it ready. Chop one garlic, onion & basil finely. Chop the tomatoes into chunky pieces. 

Add all these chopped ingredients to a mixing bowl. To this add salt, pepper,oregano & 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil. Mix well. Cover and let it stand for 10 mins. 

In the mean while grill the bread. Cut the bread into thick slices. Place the bread on the baking tray & drizzle some olive oil on both sides. Bake for about 10 mins or till slightly brown & crusty. Remove from oven & rub some garlic on to the bread for additional flavor

For serving, place the grilled bread on serving plate & top it with the tomato basil mixture. Garnish with some more basil leaves. I was able to top 4-5 loaf slices using a generous size of this mixture.

That's it, our delicious, juicy & crunchy Tomato & Basil Bruschetta (Bruschetta al Pomodoro) is ready. Serve it immediately. 

Happy Cooking!! 
Shweta