Bruschetta
What Americans know as bruschetta (pronounced broo-SKETT-uh or broo-SHETT-uh) is usually a mixture of tomato, garlic and basil on bread. It is a tasty appetizer or snack, easy to make, with many variations.
History
Garlic
Bruschetta was originally a kind of bread with garlic and spices rubbed on as it was beginning to get stale. Newly pressed olive oil was shown off either drizzled on top or soaked into the bread, a tradition dating to the Romans. The word bruschetta derives from bruscare, "to roast over coals."
Contemporary Bruschetta
Chopped Tomatoes
The addition of chopped tomatoes and onions to bruschetta is a recent development, first made popular in restaurants. (See the recipe link below.)
Topping Variations
Modern bruschetta topping is usually made of chopped tomatoes, basil, olive oil and garlic, but other ingredients can be onions, balsamic vinegar, anchovies and mozzarella. The topping is not heaped on thickly because too much can make the bread soggy.
Bread
Either French or Italian bread can be used for bruschetta. Slices should be toasted as this makes them stronger for supporting wet toppings.
Serving Bruschetta
Bruschetta is usually served at room temperature but is delicious heated. With a cheese topping, heat will melt the cheese and bind the other ingredients together.
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