Basil Bruscheta
Basil Bruscheta is a crisp and refreshing appetizer for this “the climate has changed” dangerous summer. This morning I pinched off some beautiful plump basil leaves for some tomato and basil bruscheta I’m serving at lunch. I find that in Houston the basil plant has to be in the shade during this blazing heat, which we are going to have to get used to, so either plant it next to a building, a tall bush or place a patio umbrella next to it.
I admit that sometimes I will add just a hint of tiny minced Serrano chile to give it a Mexican pop. I remove the seeds from the Serrano before mincing it. The flavor I’m after is the herbal basil blended with the herbal Serrano, both a nice green, summery taste. Of course, if you’re not growing tomatoes this year, go to the farmer’s market to get heirloom or garden tomatoes, they make all the difference in the world. And finally, don’t refrigerate the tomatoes as they ripen. The cold kills the enzyme that makes all the delicious flavor.
Recipe for Basil Bruscheta
Ingredients
-1 1/2 cup tomato, small dice, fresh from your farmer’s market.
-1/2 cup basil leaves, coarsely chopped
-1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
-2 Tbsp onion, fine mince
-1 whole garlic clove
-salt to taste
-6 slices Italian or other artisan bread that you like
Method
1. Toast the bread in a 350°F until it is slightly golden. Allow to cool.
2. In a mixing bowl combine the tomato, olive oil, basil and onion, add salt to taste
3. Rub each bread slice with the garlic clove to give it a hint of garlic peppery taste
4. Spread the tomato mixture onto each slice and serve immediately.
Take a nice glass of white Orvieto with this bruschetta.
