# Ingredients:
→ For the Toasts
01 - 1 French baguette, sliced diagonally into 8 pieces (approximately 1/2 inch thick)
02 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
→ For the Topping
03 - 2 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
04 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
05 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
06 - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
07 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ To Serve
09 - 1 small garlic clove, peeled (for rubbing on toasts)
10 - Extra basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
11 - Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional)
# Instructions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Place the baguette slices diagonally on the baking sheet. Brush both sides with extra virgin olive oil.
03 - Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through, until slices are golden and crisp.
04 - While the bread toasts, combine diced tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Toss gently to blend.
05 - Remove toasted baguette slices from oven. While warm, gently rub one side of each slice with the peeled garlic clove.
06 - Spoon the tomato mixture generously over each toast. Arrange toasts in a diagonal line on a serving platter for an elegant presentation.
07 - Optionally garnish with extra basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Serve immediately while crisp.
