italian essentials: tomato bruschetta topping

Recipe by
Andy Anderson !
Wichita, KS

I love a good bruschetta topping. Place it on some diagonal slices of artisan bread, a dot or two of balsamic glaze, and maybe a bit of cheese… heaven. This is an easy/peasy recipe to assemble, and like all things homemade, you can vary the ingredients to suit your individual tastes. So, you ready… Let’s get into the kitchen.

yield serving(s)
prep time 5 Min
cook time 15 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For italian essentials: tomato bruschetta topping

  • PLAN/PURCHASE
  • 2 Tbsp
    olive oil, extra virgin variety
  • 2 clove
    baked garlic
  • 1 Tbsp
    dried basil
  • 1 tsp
    dried thyme
  • 3 md
    plum tomatoes, or 1 can (14oz) of diced tomatoes
  • 1 Tbsp
    tomato paste
  • 1 - 2 Tbsp
    white vinegar
  • 2 tsp
    parmesan reggiano
  • salt, kosher variety, to taste
  • black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
  • OPTIONAL ITEMS
  • 1 tsp
    balsamic vinegar

How To Make italian essentials: tomato bruschetta topping

  • 1
    PREP/PREPARE
  • 2
    Plum tomatoes are more traditional for a bruschetta; however, feel free to experiment with whatever you have on hand.
  • 3
    If you are using canned tomatoes, then cut the amount of tomato paste in half.
  • 4
    If you want a sweet heat, then substitute white pepper, for the black, or use a bit of both.
  • 5
    Suggestion on the white vinegar. Add one tablespoon, and taste, then add a bit more, if needed. I like my bruschetta on the tangy side, so I usually add both tablespoons.
  • 6
    If you have never had the pleasure of baking your own garlic, here is a recipe for you: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/seasoning-mix/cooking-essentials-baked-garlic.html?r=4
  • 7
    Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
  • 8
    Chop up the tomatoes.
  • 9
    Chef's Note: Most Italian bruschetta's leave the skin on the tomatoes, and the seeds; however, if you want to remove the skin and seeds that is your option.
  • 10
    Add the olive oil, garlic, basil, and thyme to small saucepan, over medium-low heat.
  • 11
    As the oil begins to heat up, use a wooden spoon to smash the garlic into the oil.
  • 12
    Allow to lightly simmer, for 4 – 5 minutes.
  • 13
    Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, and parmesan to the saucepan, and continue to slowly simmer until the mixture begins to thicken, about 10 – 12 minutes.
  • 14
    Chef’s Note: While the mixture is simmering, taste and season with salt and pepper.
  • 15
    PLATE/PRESENT
  • So yummy
    16
    Serve as an appetizer on toasted slices of artisan bread, or even use as a topping for steak and/or fish. Enjoy.
  • So yummy
    17
    Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
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