Charred Tomato & Basil Delight on Crispy Bread
Indulge in the vibrant and refreshing flavors of our Charred Tomato & Basil Delight. This dish showcases the natural sweetness and richness of the freshest, ripest tomatoes complemented by aromatic basil and the engaging crunch of grilled French bread. Perfect as an appetizer or a light snack, this bruschetta is not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser that will elevate any gathering. The key to this recipe lies in allowing the ingredients to mingle and develop their flavors. Serve immediately for the best taste experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
French bread
1 loaf (sliced into thick pieces (1 inch))
Roma tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
1 lb (cut into small pieces)
Fresh basil
1/4 cup (rolled together and sliced julienne)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons
Salt
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by placing your diced tomatoes in a mixing bowl. Generously sprinkle salt over them and gently mix. Allow the tomatoes to sit for 10 minutes to release their juices.
2
After 10 minutes, add the minced garlic, sliced basil, and extra virgin olive oil to the tomatoes. Stir everything together until well combined. Let the mixture sit for an additional 10 minutes to enhance the flavor.
3
While the tomato mixture is resting, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Slice the French bread into 1-inch thick pieces.
4
Once the grill is ready, place the bread slices on the grates and grill for about 1 minute on each side, or until they are golden brown and slightly charred.
5
Remove the grilled bread from the heat and immediately top each slice with a generous spoonful of the tomato-basil mixture. Serve these delightful appetizers right away, and enjoy the burst of fresh flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Charred Tomato & Basil Delight?
It is a vibrant appetizer featuring fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and minced garlic served on grilled French bread.
What type of bread is recommended for this recipe?
French bread is the primary recommendation for this recipe, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces.
Which tomatoes are best to use?
You can use either 1 lb of Roma tomatoes or cherry tomatoes for the best results.
How thick should I slice the bread?
The bread should be sliced into 1-inch thick pieces to ensure it provides a sturdy, crispy base.
Why should I salt the tomatoes before adding other ingredients?
Sprinkling salt over the diced tomatoes and letting them sit for 10 minutes allows them to release their natural juices and enhances their flavor.
How long does the tomato mixture need to sit after adding the garlic and basil?
It should sit for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle and develop.
What heat setting should I use for grilling the bread?
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
How long do I grill each side of the bread?
Grill the bread for about 1 minute on each side, or until it is golden brown and slightly charred.
When should I top the bread with the tomato mixture?
Top each slice with a generous spoonful of the mixture immediately after removing the bread from the heat.
Should this dish be served hot or cold?
It is best served immediately while the bread is still warm and crispy for the best taste experience.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves.
What kind of oil is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How much basil is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of fresh basil, rolled and sliced julienne.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is recommended for its aromatic quality and flavor, though dried could be used in a pinch at a lower quantity.
Is this recipe considered Italian cuisine?
Yes, it is tagged as Italian cuisine and is a variation of a classic bruschetta.
What are the total number of ingredients?
There are 6 total ingredients: French bread, tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and salt.
How do I prepare the basil?
The basil should be rolled together and then sliced julienne (into thin strips).
Can I make this as a main course?
While intended as an appetizer or light snack, it can be part of a larger meal.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is naturally vegan.
How do I know when the tomatoes are ready?
They are ready after they have sat with salt for 10 minutes and then with the oil and herbs for another 10 minutes.
What if I don't have a grill?
You can use a grill pan on the stove or a toaster oven to achieve a similar crispy effect, though you might miss the char flavor.
Can I add balsamic vinegar?
While not in the original recipe, a drizzle of balsamic glaze is a common addition that pairs well with these ingredients.
How many servings does this make?
The recipe uses 1 loaf of bread and 1 lb of tomatoes, which typically serves 4 to 6 people as an appetizer.
Is it possible to prepare the tomato mixture in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the topping an hour or two ahead, but don't top the bread until you are ready to serve to prevent sogginess.
What is the key to a great Charred Tomato & Basil Delight?
The key lies in allowing the ingredients to mingle and develop their flavors before serving.
Can I use other types of tomatoes?
Yes, any ripe, flavorful tomato will work, though Roma and cherry tomatoes provide the best balance of flesh and juice.
Does the bread need to be fresh?
Since you are grilling it, day-old bread actually works very well as it crisps up nicely.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, French bread contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free baguette.
What should the texture of the tomatoes be?
They should be cut into small pieces, remaining slightly firm but softened by the salt and oil mixture.
Is there a specific way to dice the tomatoes?
The recipe suggests cutting them into small pieces to ensure they sit well on the bread slices.