Time:
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 10 minutes
- Total: ~20 minutes
- Servings: 2–4
Ingredients:
- 3–4 ripe Roma tomatoes
- Thick slices of crusty bread
- 1 garlic clove (halved)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Splash of vinegar (cherry vinegar preferred, optional)
- Pinch of sugar (optional, if tomatoes are bland)
- Pinch of MSG (optional, for extra umami)
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
- Prepare the tomatoes
Wash and halve the tomatoes. Grate them using a box grater into a bowl, leaving the skins behind. - Season the mixture
Add salt, black pepper, and a splash of vinegar. Taste and adjust:- Add sugar if the tomatoes lack sweetness
- Add MSG if you want more savory depth
- Drain (optional but recommended)
Lightly drain excess liquid from the tomatoes to improve texture. (Save the juice for soups or drinks if you want.) - Add olive oil
Drizzle in good-quality olive oil and mix well. Taste one last time and adjust seasoning. - Prepare the bread
Slice thick pieces of crusty bread.- Toast OR
- For best flavor: lightly fry in olive oil until golden and crispy on both sides
- Add garlic
While the bread is still hot, rub it with a halved garlic clove. - Assemble
Spoon the tomato mixture generously over the bread. - Finish & serve
Top with flaky sea salt (optional) and serve immediately.
