Tomato bruschetta with balsamic glaze (Recipe)

Ingredients

	3 medium-sized tomatoes
	6-8 slices or toasted bread or baguette
	2-3 slices of smoked ham (jambon cru)
	1 red onion
	juice from a 1/4 lemon

Spices, herbs and flavoring ingredients:

	1 tablespoon of olive oil
	2-3 leaves of chopped fresh parsley
	(Optional) 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
	Pinch of garlic powder or flakes
	Salt and pepper

How to make tomato bruschetta

1. Dice the tomatoes into small chunks using a fork and sharp knife, then transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
2. Finely chop the onion and parsley, and add them to the tomatoes.
3. Add the remaining ingredients (except the ham) and mix well to combine.
4. Chill the mixture in the fridge for about 10 minutes to let the flavors come together.
5. Arrange the toasted bread slices on a baking sheet.
6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Spoon the tomato mixture evenly over each slice of bread.
8. (Optional) Top each piece of bread with a small slice of ham.
9. (Optional) Bake for about 5 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to warm everything through.
10. Serve warm or at room temperature.

If you are looking for a delicious, quick, and most important healthy recipe, then tomato bruschetta is the perfect snack to munch on. It is most commonly associated with the Mediterranean region and as a result, especially during the hot summer months.

Toppings for bruschetta usually range from cheese to a wide variety of vegetables. My favorite however is a light provençale-style bruschetta, with fresh tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and jambon cru (smoked ham).

It can be served as an appetizer or starter, but can also be served along side a salad or soup for a light lunch.

Using fresh tomatoes

You can use any type of fresh tomatoes you like, although you may like to mix up a couple of different types in order to add an extra oomph to the taste. Some tomatoes that you can use are:

• Tomatoes on the vine – juicy and slightly sweet tomatoes that are left on the vine until they are fully ripened
• Cherry tomatoes – small, round, and crisp tomatoes
• Roma tomatoes –  Italian plum tomatoes which are full of flavor with a tangy taste.

Look for ripe tomatoes at your local grocery store or farmers’ market, and mix and match as you like.

Types of Bread

You can use toasted bread that is already prepared, or you can make your own. A baguette is always an easy winner, but you can also try a Pain de campagne meaning “country bread” that is baked in large loaves to feed the full family.

Whatever type of bread you decide to get, just slice into small pieces and toast in the oven for 5 minutes before putting on your topping.

What to serve with it?

What drinks to serve with it?