Classic Roman Bruschetta al Pomodoro
Thick slices of rustic bread grilled until charred and smoky, rubbed with raw garlic, and piled high with a jewel-toned mix of ripe diced tomatoes seasoned simply with basil, olive oil, and a whisper of sea salt. The contrast of the crunchy, garlic-perfumed toast against the cool, juicy tomato topping is what makes this the most perfect antipasto ever invented. Simple enough for a Tuesday, elegant enough for a dinner party.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ripe Roma tomatoes (about 6), seeded and diced small
- 1 loaf crusty Italian bread or ciabatta, cut into 3/4-inch thick slices
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and halved
+ 6 more ingredients
Instructions
Cut the Roma tomatoes in half and scoop out the seeds with a small spoon. Dice the tomato flesh into small, even pieces and transfer to a bowl. This step removes excess moisture that would make the toast soggy.
Add the minced red onion (if using), chiffonade basil, oregano, balsamic vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil to the tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Toss gently and let the mixture marinate at room temperature for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Preheat a grill pan, outdoor grill, or broiler to high heat. Brush both sides of each bread slice with the remaining olive oil.
Grill or broil the bread slices for 1-2 minutes per side until you get beautiful char marks and the edges are deeply golden. Watch them closely -- the line between perfectly toasted and burnt is thin.
While the bread is still hot, rub one side of each slice vigorously with the cut side of a halved garlic clove. The rough, toasted surface acts like a grater and will absorb the garlic flavor beautifully.
Arrange the garlic-rubbed toasts on a serving platter. Spoon the marinated tomato mixture generously onto each slice, letting some of the juices soak into the bread.
Finish with a final drizzle of your best olive oil and serve immediately, before the toast loses its crunch.
Nutrition Estimate
Per serving • Estimated by Blinner AI