Printable Recipe: Traditional Italian Tomato and Basil Bruschetta Recipe

Traditional Italian Tomato and Basil Bruschetta

This is the first of my free bruschetta recipes because this is THE classic (and easy!) Italian bruschetta recipe. This one is fresh, tangy, full of flavor, and it's really for garlic lovers. Talk about some rich Italian flavors!

Recipe serves about 6.

Ingredients:
6 medium vine-ripened tomatoes
3/4 C. fresh chopped basil
1/4 C. extra virgin olive oil
1/4 C. red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
1-2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, halved
6-1" thick slices fresh Italian bread (ciabatta is good), grilled or toasted
1/3 C. shaved fresh parmesan

Instructions: 1. Slice the tomatoes in half across the middle and give them a gentle squeeze to get rid of excess liquid. Don't squeeze out all the seeds-- just some of the tomato water.

2. Roughly chop the tomatoes. Put them in a mixing bowl, adding the basil, the one clove of minced garlic, the salt and pepper, the olive oil and vinegar. Set aside.

3. Toast the Italian bread slices using your oven, grill, toaster or even a Panini press. Rub one side of each piece with the fresh garlic clove while the bread is hot.

4. Divide this free bruschetta recipe evenly among your 6 slices of bread, top with parmesan shavings, and serve.