AUG 10, 2021
Hi everyone,
The star of the show has arrived. It’s tomato season!
Tomatoes are at their peak right now. Those juicy red jewels are here for our enjoyment.
Someone like me would simply walk into the garden with a salt shaker in her back pocket, just picking and slurping. But, here’s a more civilized recipe, a simple toast with garlic and tomato. It couldn’t be easier to make and it is so delicious!
TOASTED RUSTIC BREAD WITH TOMATOES
- 2 slices of bread from a plain rustic loaf, about 1/2-inch thick
- 1 garlic clove, peeled
- 1 small ripe red tomato, cut in half, seeds squeezed out
- 1 TBS extra-virgin olive oil
- Flaky sea salt or fleur de sel to taste
- Toast the bread on both sides under the broiler, on a stovetop grill, or over coals, until it is perfectly browned, but a tiny bit soft in the center ( about 1 minute per side).
- Cut the garlic clove in half. Pressing down firmly, rub the top of each piece of toast with the cut side of the garlic. Rub the tomato, cut side down, against the toast. Keep rubbing to moisten the toast and give it a juicy red color.
- Drizzle with olive oil and finish with a tiny sprinkle of sea salt. Serve immediately.
You never have to worry about making this ahead of time. It takes literally five seconds to make.
HELPFUL HINT: You could zhush this up with anchovy, fresh basil leaves, rosemary sprigs, avocado or grilled shrimp. Or all of them!
ANOTHER HELPFUL HINT: For more intense flavor, try grating the tomato instead of rubbing it onto the toast.
I hope you enjoy this. It’s a wonderful way to start a summer meal. Have a delicious week!
Best,
Judi