italian essentials: tomato bruschetta topping

21 Pinches 13 Photos
Wichita, KS
Updated on Feb 11, 2019

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.

prep time 5 Min
cook time 15 Min
method Stove Top
yield Several

Ingredients

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

How To Make italian essentials: tomato bruschetta topping

  • Step 1
    PREP/PREPARE
  • Step 2
    Plum tomatoes are more traditional for a bruschetta; however, feel free to experiment with whatever you have on hand.
  • Step 3
    If you are using canned tomatoes, then cut the amount of tomato paste in half.
  • Step 4
    If you want a sweet heat, then substitute white pepper, for the black, or use a bit of both.
  • Step 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.
  • Step 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
  • Step 7
    Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
  • Step 8
    Chop up the tomatoes.
  • Step 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.
  • Step 10
    Add the olive oil, garlic, basil, and thyme to small saucepan, over medium-low heat.
  • Step 11
    As the oil begins to heat up, use a wooden spoon to smash the garlic into the oil.
  • Step 12
    Allow to lightly simmer, for 4 – 5 minutes.
  • Step 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.
  • Step 14
    Chef’s Note: While the mixture is simmering, taste and season with salt and pepper.
  • Step 15
    PLATE/PRESENT
  • So yummy
    Step 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
    Step 17
    Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

Discover More

Comment & Reviews

ADVERTISEMENT
Just A Pinch Sweepstakes