Bruschetta with Tomatoes

The Origins of Bruschetta

Bruschetta has ancient origins, simply because it has always been a good way to use old bread.No waste.

It’s said that it dates back to the times of the Etruscans and Romans. Originally, bruschetta was simply toasted bread rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil. Over the centuries, bruschetta has become a popular dish throughout Italy, with each region developing its own variations and toppings.

The first  and most traditional bruschetta is the one with tomatoes.

How to prepare homemade bruschetta

Preparing homemade bruschetta is simple and rewarding.

Most important is to follow some unwritten rules :

1.Choosing the right bread is essential for a perfect bruschetta. The traditional bread used for bruschetta is Tuscan bread, with its dense texture and crunchy crust. However, you can also use ciabatta bread, or wholemeal bread depending on your personal preference.

That’s why old bread is perfect, as it keeps the consisteny also after drizzling oil on it

2. Ripe tomatoes  .They have to be ripe and juicy, otherwise use peeled tomatoes leaving them to release liquid in a colander for a few minutes

3.don’t forget the garlic ,added in a delicate tasty way, rubbing it on the hot just grilled bread

4.EVOO this is the main ingredient as you will enjoy all of its flavour through the bruschetta

Bruschetta Preparation

5  Ripe Tomatoes

12 slices of crusty Italian Bread( at least one day old)

 Extra Virgin  Olive Oil

Salt

2 cloves Garlic

Pepper

 10 leaves fresh basil

  • Cut the tomatoes in pieces which have not to be too big as they are going to be served on the bread slices.
  • Chop the basil
  • In a bowl, pour the tomatoes in a layer. Every layer of tomatoes add chopped basil, a dash of extra virgin olive oil.Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix all of it.
  • Leave to marinate for ½ hour. This will allow the flavours to soak and blend together.
  • Lightly toast the slices of bread until they are light brown on both sides.
  • We suggest one-day-old bread as it maintains the consistency better when grilled.
  • Rub both sides of the bread with garlic. It’s convenient to have the peel on the clove of garlic as it’s easy to keep in your hand. Sprinkle with salt and season with the oil.
  • Serve the marinate on the warm slices of bread

Substituting basil with dried oregano is possible and in winter use peeled tomatoes instead of fresh ones.

Other 2 tips:

1.Originally the bread was toasted on the grill on the fireplace, but nowadays let’s use the oven or  a hot pan

2.Serve the bruschetta when the bread is still warm:you’ll enjoy the flavours at the best

The different variations of bruschetta

Bruschetta is a versatile dish that can be paired with many other dishes to create a complete meal. It can be served as an appetizer in an Italian meal, accompanied by a mixed salad.

Today, bruschetta is prepared in many different variations, depending on regional and personal preferences:with mushrooms,with beans, with cheeses, with raw ham or with grilled vegetables. Each variation offers a unique combination of flavors and textures, making bruschetta a dish suitable for everybody.

If ordering a Bruschetta in Italy to pronounce the name correctly just remember that ch in Italian is pronounced k(in our traditional alphabeth we don’t have this letter), and then enjoy your BRUSKETTA =BRUSCHETTA