Ingredients:
1 loaf Italian bread (or French Baggett)
2 cups ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Parmesan cheese shaved
Directions:
Finely chop tomatoes, garlic and basil and place in a bowl. Add salt and pepper then drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Stir until fully combined. Cut Italian bread into ½ inch thick slices. Lightly brush each slice with extra virgin olive oil. Toast bread in the oven until lightly browned. Place toasted bread on a serving platter. Add a spoonful of tomato mixture onto each slice. Sprinkle with shaved parmesan cheese curls. (Grated parmesan cheese works too but isn’t as pretty!). Serve.
Suggestions:
- Amp up the flavor by adding ½ teaspoon of balsamic vinegar or fresh lemon juice.
- Use whatever tomatoes are in season at your local grocery store. Traditionally made with plum tomatoes but vine-ripened, grape and cherry tomatoes work well too!