Our Italian culinary journey has taken us from the bustling piazzas of Rome to the sun-kissed Amalfi Coast, through the vibrant markets of Sicily, and to the snowy peaks and prosperous cities of Northern Italy. Today, we’re traveling to the heart of Italy, to the rolling hills and vine-striped countryside of the beautiful region of Tuscany.
Tuscany is a region celebrated for its simple yet flavorful cuisine, which is deeply rooted in the “cucina povera” tradition. It’s a cuisine that makes the most out of every ingredient, never wasting anything, and finding ways to make simple ingredients taste extraordinary. The dishes here are hearty and satisfying, relying heavily on local produce, high-quality olive oil, regional cheeses, and of course, the renowned Tuscan bread.
And speaking of Tuscan bread, our starter today is a Tuscan classic that showcases this staple ingredient in all its glory: Bruschetta al Pomodoro. It’s a dish that’s as simple as it gets, with each ingredient shining on its own and together creating a symphony of flavors that’s quintessentially Tuscan.
So, roll up your sleeves, my fellow culinary adventurers! Let’s embark on this journey to Tuscany and bring a piece of its cuisine to our tables with this delightful Bruschetta al Pomodoro.
Bruschetta al Pomodoro
Ingredients
- 8 slices tuscan bread
- 4 large, ripe tomatoes
- 2 cloves of garlic
- olive oil extra virgin
- salt
- freshly ground pepper
- handful of basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or broiler.
- Slice the tomatoes into small cubes and place them in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle generously with olive oil. Tear the basil leaves and mix them into the tomatoes. Let it sit for a while to let the flavors meld together.
- Grill or broil the bread slices until they're toasted and golden.
- While the bread is still hot, rub one side of each slice with a clove of garlic. The rough texture of the bread will grate the garlic, infusing the bread with its flavor.
- Spoon the tomato mixture onto the garlic-rubbed side of the bread. Drizzle a little more olive oil on top, if desired.
- Serve immediately, garnished with a few more basil leaves.
And there you have it, Bruschetta al Pomodoro, a Tuscan starter that’s simple, fresh, and absolutely delicious. It’s a dish that truly celebrates the essence of Tuscan cuisine, where simplicity meets flavor, and every ingredient gets a chance to shine.
Until our next culinary adventure, buon appetito!