How to Make Authentic Bruschetta

Make authentic Italian tomato and basil bruschetta, and take a look at some suggestions for variations. It's simple and super easy to make.

Ingredients

• 2 to 3 tomatoes, good quality and ripe, or cherry tomatoes; chopped
• 4 tablespoons olive oil, high-quality extra-virgin , divided
• 4 slices of Tuscan bread, or any other rustic Italian loaf
• 1 clove garlic, peeled, sliced in half
• Garnish: salt, coarse, flaky, to taste
• Garnish: basil leaves, fresh, chopped

Steps

1. Gather the ingredients.
2. Combine the chopped tomatoes and half of the olive oil in a bowl and toss. Marinate the tomatoes for about 10 minutes at room temperature.
3. Toast the bread slices on a charcoal grill until golden-brown and lightly marked with grill lines. You can also toast them in an oven or toaster, or on a griddle or grill pan, if charcoal grilling is not possible. 
4. Gently rub the grilled slices of bread with the cut end of the raw garlic clove. 
5. Top each slice with the marinated tomatoes. Sprinkling with flaky sea salt and chopped fresh basil leaves. Finish with a drizzle of the remaining olive oil. Serve immediately.