Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 loaves baguette (cut into thirds, then sliced in half)
- 3 large tomatoes (shredded)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- ¼ cup fresh basil (chiffonade cut)
- 1 garlic clove (for rubbing the bread)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for toasting the bread.
- Prepare tomatoes: Halve the tomatoes and grate the pulp over the large holes of a box grater to shred them. Set aside the shredded tomatoes to use as the topping.
- Toast the bread: Place the cut bread slices on a large baking sheet and bake in the oven for about 10 minutes or until the bread is evenly golden brown and crispy.
- Rub garlic on bread: Remove the toasted bread from the oven and while still warm, rub each slice with the garlic clove. This imparts a subtle garlic flavor to the bread.
- Add olive oil: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the surface of each bread slice generously to enrich the flavor and add moisture.
- Top with tomatoes and season: Spread the shredded tomatoes evenly on each bread slice, then sprinkle with salt to taste to enhance the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Finally, garnish the slices with fresh chiffonade-cut basil leaves if using. Serve immediately for the best texture and freshness.
Notes
- Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best taste.
- Rub the bread with garlic immediately after toasting while still warm to maximize flavor absorption.
- You can adjust the amount of olive oil and salt to your preference.
- This dish is best served fresh and warm, but leftover toasted bread can be reheated for a few minutes.
- Basil is optional but adds a fresh herbaceous note that complements the tomato.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Vegetarian
