Ideally the simplest of Italian starters, yet arguably the best. Toasted slices of rustic country bread are rubbed with raw garlic while still hot, then topped with a fresh mixture of ripe chopped tomatoes, fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil. The key is in the quality of the ingredients—ripe, sweet tomatoes and good olive oil are essential.
0 of 8 ingredients checked
8 items
Combine the tomatoes, garlic clove, fresh basil, remaining extra_virgin_olive_oil, balsamic vinegar (if using), salt, and black_pepper in a bowl.
Let the tomato mixture sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and juices to release.
Grill or toast the rustic_bread slices until golden brown and crisp on the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
Immediately rub one side of each hot bread slice with the raw whole garlic clove; the heat will melt the garlic slightly and infuse the bread with flavor.
Drizzle the garlic-rubbed bread lightly with extra_virgin_olive_oil.
Spoon a generous amount of the tomato mixture onto each slice of bread.
Serve immediately while the bread is still warm and crisp.
