Fresh Tomato Bruschetta
After every trip, I like to replicate in my own kitchen the food I enjoyed most. I was in Italy recently and ate at Taverna del Lupo in Gubbio in the Umbria region. Its menu features simple, fresh-tasting food--without a leaf of basil anywhere.
I’d go back in a minute just for this meal. It starts with tomato bruschetta and wedges of peasant-like fried flat bread topped with prosciutto. Whether served with drinks or as a first course at the table, this makes an upbeat antipasto with great contrast.
For the main course, serve some grilled meat or sausages along with a baby arugula salad. The following course, Pecorino Romano cheese with a marmalade of caramelized red onions, makes for good lingering around the table. It’s all served family style. A full-bodied red table wine from Italy is a good choice for these two courses.
Place tomatoes, oil, vinegar, salt and pepper to taste in bowl. Toss to mix well. Let rest at room temperature 2 to 3 hours before serving.
Lightly grill or broil 1 side of baguette slices. While still warm, rub grilled side with cut garlic. (Can be done a few hours ahead. Cover with foil; let rest at room temperature.)
To serve, stir tomatoes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Using slotted spoon to drain excess liquid, mound tomatoes on bread, dividing evenly. Place on platter, alternating with Umbrian Fried Flat Bread With Prosciutto; serve immediately.
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