Bruschetta with tomato and basil

Ingredients

  • 6 or 7 ripe plum tomatoes (about 1 ½ lbs)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • 6-8 fresh basil leaves, chopped.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 baguette French bread or similar Italian bread
  • ¼ cup olive oil

Preparation

Prepare the tomatoes first. Parboil the tomatoes for one minute in boiling water that has just been removed from the burner. Drain. Using a sharp small knife, remove the skins of the tomatoes. (If the tomatoes are too hot, you can protect your finger tips by rubbing them with an ice cube between tomatoes.) Once the tomatoes are peeled, cut them in halves or quarters and remove the seeds and juice from their centers. Also cut out and discard the stem area. Why use plum tomatoes instead of regular tomatoes? The skins are much thicker and there are fewer seeds and less juice.
Make sure there is a top rack in place in your oven. Turn on the oven to 450°F to preheat. While the oven is heating, chop up the tomatoes finely. Put tomatoes, garlic, 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, vinegar in a bowl and mix. Add the chopped basil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Slice the baguette on a diagonal about ½ inch thick slices. Coat one side of each slice with olive oil using a pastry brush. Place on a cooking sheet, olive oil side down. You will want to toast them in the top rack in your oven, so you may need to do these in batches depending on the size of your oven. Once the oven has reached 450°F, place a tray of bread slices in the oven on the top rack. Toast for 5-6 minutes, until the bread just begins to turn golden brown.
Alternatively, you can toast the bread without coating it in olive oil first. Toast on a griddle for 1 minute on each side. Take a sharp knife and score each slice 3 times. Rub some garlic in the slices and drizzle half a teaspoon of olive oil on each slice. This is the more traditional method of making bruschetta.
Align the bread on a serving platter, olive oil side up. Either place the tomato topping in a bowl separately with a spoon for people to serve themselves over the bread, or place some topping on each slice of bread and serve. If you top each slice with the tomatoes, do it right before serving or the bread may get soggy.

The cooking tips for the week of April 22, 2024

Through the course of this week, you'll feel particularly willing and keen and you'll look after your body more; be careful however not to use up too much energy! Many of you will feel slightly stressed and will take the opportunity to relax and devote time to your own well-being.

Choose your favourite Astrology recipe

Choose your favourite dessert

The stars talk about you...

Tarot Cards

Free Tarot Reading

For the new year, plan ahead! Consult the Arcanes of the Tarots of Predictpod! This will be a year full of surprises! Some will find love, some money and others will be kissed by luck…and you? What 2024 will bring you is already written in the stars. Discover what is on the cards and get your news in advance!

Planetary Incense

Planetary Incense

Let yourself be captured by the fragrance of Planetary incense! Making planetary incense is really easy: Predictpod provides you with all the necessary ingredients to help you discover the pleasure of relaxation! Did you know each planet has its own incense? Discover yours!

Winning Numbers Horoscope

Winning Numbers Horoscope

Nowadays you can receive the winning numbers for Lotto and Superenalotto! Let yourself be guided by Predictpod's Lucky Numbers Horoscope: unexpected winnings will take you by surprise. The Blindfolded Goddess could choose you this time… Follow the advice of Lucky Numbers Horoscope!

Personal Biorhythm

Calculate your Personal biorhythm

The Personal biorhythm is the combination of activities and biochemical, physiological and compartmental processes which occur in all living organisms with constant and unchangeable periodicity. Get your Biorhythms for free.

We also talk about...

The Business Horoscope

Making investments is so tiring! Every time you feel a doubt and don't know if it's the right time to play on the Stock Exchange, you can count on your Business Horoscope! You will receive personalised advice to solve any financial problem. Business no longer rhymes with stress with Predictpod!

Precious Birthstones

Mineralogy is now a science which many trust in to discover the benefits which stones and gems can give. Did you know there is a special gemstone for every sign of the Zodiac? Read immediately what yours is with the section dedicated to the Signs Birthstones! Ruby or Emerald? Discover with a click!

What do you know about Numbers?

Are you getting confused? Numerology will help you understand what are the right numbers for you! The science of numbers will have no more mysteries thanks to the sections dedicated to Numerology: you will finally be able to make the most of the knowledge which Predictpod has set aside just for you!

Did you Check your Horoscope for Tonight?

Are you wondering what to do tonight? Don't rack your brains too much and listen to the advice of the Stars! The Stars are here for you to make amusing forecasts on your evening. In company or alone, make your evening unforgettable with the Stars' suggestions offered by Predictpod and read your Horoscope for Tonight.