Bruschetta

Method

1. 1

   Prepare the tomatoes

   At room temperature, core and dice the tomatoes into roughly 1 cm pieces, toss with 1/2 teaspoon salt, and leave for 10 minutes until they release some juice.

2. 2

   Season the topping

   Tip the tomatoes into a sieve over a bowl and let excess liquid drain for 1 minute, retaining all the diced tomatoes; fold in torn basil, 1 tablespoon olive oil, pepper and optional balsamic, then taste and adjust seasoning.

3. 3

   Preheat the grill

   Set the grill to high and preheat for about 5 minutes, until the element is fully hot.

4. 4

   Toast the bread

   Position the bread close under the hot grill and toast for 1 to 3 minutes per side, watching closely and turning once, until golden with crisp edges.

5. 5

   Prepare the garlic

   Peel the garlic and cut the clove in half lengthwise to expose the cut surface.

6. 6

   Rub the toast

   While the toast is warm, lightly rub the cut side of the garlic over one face of each slice until faintly fragrant.

7. 7

   Finish and serve

   Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over the toast, spoon on the tomato topping without pooled liquid, and serve immediately while crisp; the topping is best at room temperature.

Tips

• Taste the topping before serving and adjust the salt and pepper.
• Grill the bread in batches if needed, placing it close under the element and watching carefully because it can brown quickly.
• Rub the garlic lightly for a restrained flavour, or more firmly for a stronger garlic note.
• Allow about 20 minutes preparation and 10 minutes cooking, depending on grill capacity.

Swaps

• Use 600 g ripe cherry tomatoes in place of medium tomatoes.
• Omit the balsamic for a more classic tomato and basil topping, or use 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar instead.

Storing

Keep the tomato topping covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 day and toast the bread just before serving. Bring the topping to room temperature before assembling. Store the components separately because assembled bruschetta softens quickly.