Simple Bruschetta

1 loaf of country-style bread such as sourdough, or Italian, cut into thick slices
3 medium red ripe tomatoes
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Several cloves of garlic, peeled and cut in half
Best-quality extra-virgin olive oil




Grill or toast the bread.

While it is cooking, coarsely chop the tomatoes and season them with the salt and the pepper.

Rub one side of each slice of toast with a piece of garlic. Place the toast on a large platter.

Drizzle each slice with a generous tablespoon of olive oil and top with a spoonful of the seasoned chopped tomatoes.

Serve immediately.


Variations:

Slice several leaves of fresh basil into thin strips and sprinkle them on the bruschetta just before serving.

While toasting or grilling the bread, top each piece (after turning once) with a thin slice of fresh mozzarella.

Add 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to the chopped tomatoes and top the bruschetta with a mix of chopped fresh herbs, such as Italian parsley, oregano, and/or thyme.