One of my fondest childhood memories involves my grandmother's garden. Every summer, it would burst with the most incredible tomatoes and basil. She'd often make a simple snack of grilled bread topped with these fresh ingredients, a tradition I've carried on and perfected over the years. Seriously this recipie will make your mouth water. One time, I tried adding a balsamic glaze, but I found it overpowered the delicate flavors, so I stuck to the basics.
What I love most about this grilled bread is its versatility. It's perfect as an appetizer for a summer barbecue, a light lunch on a warm day, or even a simple side dish to accompany grilled meats or salads. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. I find myself craving it constantly during tomato season. Yesterday I was in the garden and saw a ripe tomato, I knew exactly what I was going to make!
This isn’t just a recipe; it's an invitation to savor the simple joys of life. The combination of textures and flavors – the crunch of the bread, the sweetness of the tomatoes, the herbaceousness of the basil – is truly magical. Each bite is a little celebration of summer. I swear it's like taking a vacation in your mouth, haha. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of bread, like sourdough or ciabatta. They all bring a unique twist to the final dish!
Required Equipments
- Grill
- Serrated knife
- Cutting board
- Medium bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs
Grilled Bread with Tomato and Basil: A Taste of Summer: Frequently Asked Questions
Grilled Bread with Tomato and Basil: A Taste of Summer
Elevate simple grilled bread with the vibrant flavors of summer! This recipe combines crusty bread, juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil for an easy, satisfying appetizer or light meal.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Prepare the tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes and dice them into small, even pieces. Aim for pieces that are about 1/4 inch in size for the best texture and flavor distribution.
- Chop the basil: Rinse the fresh basil leaves and pat them dry with a paper towel. Stack the leaves on top of each other, roll them up tightly, and then slice them thinly into chiffonade (thin ribbons). This method releases the basil's aroma and prevents bruising.
- Combine tomato and basil: In a medium bowl, gently mix the diced tomatoes and chiffonade basil. Be careful not to crush the tomatoes, as you want them to retain their juices.
- Season the mixture: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the tomato and basil mixture. Add a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Gently toss everything together to ensure the tomatoes are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. I find that letting it sit really help the flavors come together, makes all the difference!
- Prepare the bread: Slice the bread into 1-inch thick slices. A serrated knife works best to ensure clean cuts without tearing the bread.
- Grill the bread: Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C). Lightly brush both sides of each bread slice with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Place the bread slices on the preheated grill and grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and have visible grill marks. Watch closely to prevent burning, as the grilling time can vary depending on the heat of your grill.
- Assemble the grilled bread: Remove the grilled bread slices from the grill and place them on a serving platter. Spoon the tomato and basil mixture generously over each slice, making sure to distribute the juices evenly. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of summer flavors. If you want a little extra something, try crumbling some fresh ricotta cheese on top before serving! Omg! Best thing ever!
📝 Notes
- For an extra layer of flavor, rub a clove of garlic over the grilled bread before topping with the tomato mixture.
- Add a sprinkle of balsamic glaze for a tangy twist (use sparingly).
- Try different types of bread, such as sourdough or multigrain, to vary the texture and taste.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 250 kcal
Protein: 7 g
Fat: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 3 g
Calcium: 50 mg
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