Bruschetta with Tomatoes, Fresh Garlic, Basil, and Mozzarella

Ingredients

• 2 tomatoes (finely diced; heirloom variety mentioned)
• fresh garlic (minced; quantity not specified)
• 0.5 organic lemon (zest and juice; the juice is indicated for approximately two tomatoes)
• pepper (to taste; the creator uses a fairly generous amount)
• salt (quantity not specified)
• fresh basil (chopped leaves for the preparation and one leaf for garnish; quantity not specified)
• olive oil (a generous drizzle; quantity not specified)
• traditional baguette (sliced and then toasted; quantity not specified)
• seeded baguette (another bread option mentioned; sliced and then toasted, quantity not specified)
• mozzarella (optional, well drained and sliced; quantity not specified)
• thyme flowers (small flowers for garnish, optional; quantity not specified)

Steps

1. 1

   Cut the tomatoes into small dice, or slightly larger pieces according to your preference, then place them in a bowl.

2. 2

   Finely mince the fresh garlic—do not press it—then add it to the tomatoes. Finely sliced green onion is suggested as another option, but it is not necessary if you use fresh garlic.

3. 3

   Add the zest of the organic lemon, then its juice—approximately half a lemon for two tomatoes.

4. 4

   Season generously with pepper to taste, then add salt.

5. 5

   Chop the basil and add it to the mixture. The creator notes that you can also tear the leaves with your fingers.

6. 6

   Pour in a generous drizzle of olive oil and mix to make the seasoned tomato mixture.

7. 7

   Slice the baguette and toast the slices into croutons. The creator indicates that they should be crisp on the outside while remaining soft inside; no cooking settings are specified.

8. 8

   Drain the mozzarella well and slice it.

9. 9

   Top the croutons with the tomato mixture, allowing the tomato juice and olive oil to soak into them.

10. 10

    Add the mozzarella slices, then spoon over some of the juice mixed with olive oil remaining in the bowl.

11. 11

    Finish with a basil leaf and, if available, a few small thyme flowers. Serve the bruschetta.

Notes

The quantities are barely specified in the source; only approximately two tomatoes and half a lemon are explicitly related. The mozzarella is presented as optional. The creator also mentions finely sliced green onion as an option, without specifying a quantity. No temperature or duration is provided for toasting the croutons.

Nutrition per serving

• appetizer
• vegetarian
• toast
• meat-free
• Italian cuisine
• summer