Whenever I have fresh basil and tomatoes, I love to make some bruschetta. This topping is originally vegan but I wanted to share my recipe with you today because it is so simple and easy to make but so delicious.
Traditionally this balsamic vinegar tomato bruschetta is served as an appetizer on a toasted Italian bread with some garlic. However, it is even mouth watering on its own or as a dressing for a salad! (this is probably not how it is served in Italy though 😌).
It is not only delicious but the balsamic vinegar is known to have many health benefits as well. Some argue that balsamic vinegar improves skin health, blood sugar, digestion, cholesterol levels, because of the many antimicrobial compounds and antioxidants that are packed into it.
I admit, I have a problem. I love garlic and really love adding a bunch to my recipes. For this recipe, I did give you a few options for those who are not a big of a fan of garlic as I’m. Although garlic has many health benefits in addition. It is used by many cultures to prevent cancer, illnesses, and help boost your immunity. In a time like this during the pandemic, we can really use some boost in our immune system for sure.
The next time you will have a piece of toast, skip the vegan butter and please give this Bruschetta a try if you would like! It is a perfect appetizer on a hot day in the summer (and really anytime of the year) to enjoy all by yourself or with friends and family!
What you will need:
Tomatoes - I believe a roma tomato is used traditionally but it is still very good with other types of tomatoes too. In the main picture above, I even used heirloom mini mixed colored tomatoes. It may be good to keep in mind that mini tomatoes can be sweeter than other large ones, so please adjust the seasoning because this recipe used medium sized tomatoes. Some other recipes squeeze and discard some of the juice of the tomato to make the bruschetta less watery. But I usually use the whole tomato! :)
Basil - I prefer using fresh basil but this can be replaced by dried basil as well. You will not need to put as much basil as the recipe suggests if dried. I highly recommend using fresh basil if you can get some!
Balsamic vinegar - This can be replaced with balsamic reduction (balsamic glaze) if that is what you have. You will only need a quarter to half of the amount (or to taste) if using the reduction.
Salt/Pepper - I used Himalayan pink salt and freshly cracked black pepper. But feel free to use the salt and pepper you have available or your favs. ALSO, I do give some measurements for these seasonings but it really depends on what kind of tomatoes you are using and it might change the amount you need. Please add these ingredients to taste!
Garlic powder - For this recipe, I used garlic powder instead of fresh garlic. I love garlic but a lot of fresh garlic can sometimes be a bit harsh on the stomach. Perhaps a combination of them can work.
Olive oil - I understand that oil is not always healthy to consume. But without olive oil, bruschetta is not bruschetta. (If you know what I mean). Experimenting with half of the amount of olive oil in this recipe may be a solution for now until we can find something healthier to replace it with.
Bread - This can be any bread of your choice, whether that is gluten free, vegan, or anything! I personally love to have the bruschetta on toasted baguette or garlic bread.
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Ingredients:
1 cup - diced tomatoes
¼ - ½ cup - thinly sliced basil
¼ -½ teaspoon (or to taste) - salt
¼ -½ teaspoon (or to taste) - black pepper
½ teaspoon (or to taste) - garlic powder or fresh garlic
2 tablespoons - balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons - olive oil
Few slices - bread
Instructions:
Gather all of the ingredients and wash tomatoes and fresh basil leaves
Dice tomatoes into small cubes
Thinly slice basil
In a bowl, combine tomatoes, basil, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil.
Add salt, black pepper, and garlic powder portions at a time and taste to ideal taste
Toast bread until golden brown
Top the toasted bread with the bruschetta topping
And enjoy!
If desired you can use garlic bread or spread some garlic paste on the toast before putting on the bruschetta topping.
Please let me know what you think or if you have any questions in the comments! And if you try the recipe and post it, make sure to tag me on Instagram so I can see it :)
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