Smeared Tomato Bruschetta Wextra Virgin Olive Oil Torn Basil Recipes

BRUSCHETTA WITH HEIRLOOM TOMATOES, OLIVES AND BASIL

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425°F and set a rack in the middle position.
• In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes, olives, balsamic vinegar, basil, salt, pepper, and ⅓ cup of the oil. Toss to combine, then taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. (If the tomatoes aren't as sweet as you'd like, add ⅛ teaspoon sugar.)
• Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet. Brush both sides of the bread with the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil. Bake for about 10 minutes, until crisp and golden on the bottom.
• Using tongs, flip the bread slices so the golden side is facing up. Rub the top side of each slice with the cut side of the garlic, going back and forth once (or twice, if you like your bruschetta extra garlicky). Transfer the toasted bread to a serving platter and top each slice with a spoonful of the tomato mixture. Sprinkle the bruschetta with more basil. Serve within 10 minutes so that the bread stays crisp.
• Make-Ahead Instructions: The tomato mixture can be prepared up to 3 hours ahead of time and stored in a covered container in the refrigerator. Taste and adjust seasoning before topping the toasted bread.

BRUSCHETTA WITH FRESH TOMATO AND BASIL

Steps:

• In a bowl, mix together the tomatoes, basil, olive oil and vinegar. Add 1/4 teaspoon of the garlic paste, and blend well. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Let stand at room temperature for 2 hours, if possible.
• Place the bruschetta on a large platter in a single layer. When ready to serve, drizzle each one with about 1 tablespoon of juice from the bottom of the bowl containing the tomato mixture. With a slotted spoon, strew the tomato mixture over the bruschetta. Serve immediately.