I finally found some really good Tomatoes at the Farmer's Market and that means it's Bruschetta time! Bruschetta literally means grilled bread with any number of toppings, although Tomatoes are quite traditional. It's quite easy to make this Tomato topping, but what's different about this one is that the Garlic is mellowed by cooking just a little and that let's the flavors of Olive Oil and Basil shine through a bit more. How does something so simple, taste so good? I used a Gluten Free Baguette and sliced it thin and brushed it with Olive Oil, cooked it just until the edges were browned and then topped it with the Tomatoes. To me, Bruschetta with ripe Tomatoes is a summertime delight!
Tomato Bruschetta Topping
2 pounds fresh, ripe Tomatoes
1/2 cup Olive Oil
4 large Garlic Cloves, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons Sea Salt
20 large Basil Leaves
Cut off the stem end of each Tomato and then slice in half, scoop out the seeds and then dice. Place in a bowl and add the Salt.
Roll up the Basil Leaves and slice thinly and add to the Tomatoes.
Pour the Olive Oil into a frying pan and add in the minced Garlic. Heat and stir until you can smell the Garlic fragrance and remove from the heat. Pour over the Tomatoes and stir to mix thoroughly. Let sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Five Element Analysis
Tomatoes belong to the Fire Element so this dish is mostly Fiery. The Olive Oil brings in the Wood Element and the Garlic adds the Metal Element as does the Basil. The Bread, in this case is Gluten Free so that means it is made primarily from Rice Flour adds more Metal and if made from Wheat, adds more of the Wood Element. This is not meant to be a balanced meal as it is an appetizer so be sure to serve it with some other dishes that bring in the Water Element and the Earth Element too for balance.
