Italian Essentials: Tomato Bruschetta Topping

Name: Italian Essentials: Tomato Bruschetta Topping
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: Several
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: PLAN/PURCHASE; 2 Tbsp olive oil, extra virgin variety; 2 clove baked garlic; 1 Tbsp dried basil; 1 tsp dried thyme; 3 medium 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

By Andy Anderson !
@ThePretentiousChef

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.

Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆ 0 votes0

Comments:

3 Comments

Serves:

Several

Prep:

5 Min

Cook:

15 Min

Method:

Stove Top

Ingredients

PLAN/PURCHASE
2 Tbsp

olive oil, extra virgin variety
2 clove

baked garlic
1 Tbsp

dried basil
1 tsp

dried thyme
3 medium

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
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How to Make Italian Essentials: Tomato Bruschetta Topping

Step-by-Step

PREP/PREPARE
Plum tomatoes are more traditional for a bruschetta; however, feel free to experiment with whatever you have on hand.
If you are using canned tomatoes, then cut the amount of tomato paste in half.
If you want a sweet heat, then substitute white pepper, for the black, or use a bit of both.
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.
If you have never had the pleasure of baking your own garlic, here is a recipe for you:
Cooking Essentials: Baked Garlic
Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
Chop up the tomatoes.
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.
Add the olive oil, garlic, basil, and thyme to small saucepan, over medium-low heat.
As the oil begins to heat up, use a wooden spoon to smash the garlic into the oil.
Allow to lightly simmer, for 4 – 5 minutes.
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.
Chef’s Note: While the mixture is simmering, taste and season with salt and pepper.
PLATE/PRESENT
Serve as an appetizer on toasted slices of artisan bread, or even use as a topping for steak and/or fish. Enjoy.
Keep the faith, and keep cooking.