Smoked Tomato & Basil Bruschetta

Tomatoes are one of the vegetables I most enjoy. I love their versatility, besides which they taste so good and with their bold colour they add presentation appeal to any dish. I often use them as a garnish; in fact it is something of a tradition for me to have a bowl of tomatoes within arm’s reach while cooking! This dish is equally at home served as part of a long lazy Sunday lunch or light snack, depending on your mood.

Serves 6

Ingredients

• 2 garlic cloves, halved
• 12 slices ciabatta
• olive oil for brushing
• 20 cold smoked vine-ripened tomatoes, halved
• 1 red onion, finely sliced
• 1 small bunch fresh basil, gently ripped
• balsamic vinegar to taste
• salt and pepper to taste

Method

Preheat the oven grill to 180ºC.

Rub the garlic halves on one side of each slice of bread. Brush the same side of the bread slices with olive oil and grill until lightly browned.

Mix the tomato halves, red onions and half the basil leaves in a large bowl. Then add some olive oil, balsamic vinegar and salt and pepper to taste.

Evenly divide the mixture between the grilled ciabatta slices, top with the remaining basil and serve.