Tomato Crostini

By ldelmas

Serves 12

This recipe was prepared with the Genius Salad Chopper 2-Piece Blade Set (K37615).

Ingredients

• 6 vine-ripe tomatoes
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 ciabatta bread loaf
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

Halve the tomatoes horizontally. Gently squeeze them to remove most of the seeds and discard the seeds. Place a metal grater over a large mixing bowl and gently rub the face of the tomatoes into the grater until all of the flesh is grated. Discard the skins.
Grate the garlic clove into the bowl. Add the salt, pepper, olive oil, and tomato paste to the bowl and stir until evenly incorporated. Place the mixture in an air-tight container and refrigerate until needed.
Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F.
Cut the ciabatta into 6 rectangles. Then, halve the pieces horizontally so you have long, thin pieces. Pull out some of the soft insides, so just a little is left in the crust. Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until lightly browned on the edges. Cool on a wire rack for 1 minute.
Divide the tomato mixture evenly among the warm bread pieces and spread. Sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley on top, as a garnish, if desired.
Keep this recipe handy for the summertime when tomatoes are in peak season. As for now, I'd be willing to bet your local grocery store carries vine-ripened tomatoes. Find them, buy them, make this crostini, and you’ll be able to taste the summertime—in February.

If you’re hosting a party this weekend, serve this because it's basic and it’s easy. But, you can also appeal to lots of different tastes by adding ingredients on top. Olives, bacon, cheese, mushrooms, scallions, fresh herbs, or any combination thereof would personalize the crostini for your guests.