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Ricette di Sicilia

Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane


Sicilian tomato bruschetta topped with basil and sardines

Sicilian Tomato Bruschetta — A Bright, Summery Antipasto

A vibrant Sicilian twist on classic tomato bruschetta: ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil and a touch of salted sardines for depth. Fresh, quick and irresistibly Mediterranean.

⏱️
Prep Time
25 minutes
🔥
Cook Time
15 minutes
👥
Serve
Serves 6
📊
Difficulty
Easy
💰 Low
🗓️ Summer
4.9/5

🛒 Ingredients

  • 12 slices of rustic bread
  • 6 salted sardines
  • 9 medium tomatoes
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
180 kcal
Protein
5 g
Fat
8 g
Carbohydrates
20 g
Fiber
2 g

Few things capture the spirit of a Sicilian summer quite like a plate of tomato bruschetta. Sun-ripened tomatoes, good olive oil, basil picked at its best — all piled onto warm, toasted bread that still carries the smokiness of the grill. Simple, honest and bursting with flavour.
While bruschetta has its roots in central Italy, the Sicilian version embraces the island’s bold, seaside character. Here, salted sardines lend a savoury depth that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of juicy tomatoes. It’s the sort of antipasto that feels almost effortless, yet delivers that unmistakable taste of Mediterranean warmth.
Perfect for alfresco lunches, lazy weekend aperitivi or as a quick starter when guests drop by, this bruschetta is summer on a plate — fresh, fragrant and wonderfully moreish.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    Slice the bread and toast it lightly over a grill or barbecue until crisp and lightly charred.

  2. 2

    Wash the tomatoes, halve them and remove the seeds.

  3. 3

    Cut the tomatoes into small cubes and place them in a bowl. Add salt, extra-virgin olive oil, the peeled and gently crushed garlic cloves and the chopped basil.

  4. 4

    Leave to rest for 10 minutes, then drain off any excess liquid. Add another drizzle of olive oil, mix gently and remove the garlic.

  5. 5

    Spoon the tomatoes onto the toasted bread, top with pieces of salted sardine and, if you like, finish with an extra drizzle of olive oil.

  6. 6

    Arrange on a serving plate and enjoy immediately.

💡 Tips and Variations

Swap the salted sardines for anchovies if you prefer a milder, silkier flavour. Add a pinch of dried oregano for an aromatic Sicilian touch. For an extra kick, rub the toasted bread with a cut garlic clove before topping.

📦 Storage

  • Best enjoyed freshly prepared; refrigerate leftovers for up to 1 day.
  • Not suitable for freezing.
  • If needed, re-crisp the bread briefly in the oven before topping.

🍷 Pairing

Serve with a chilled glass of Grillo — a bright, aromatic Sicilian white wine that enhances the sweetness of the tomatoes and the savoury notes of the sardines.

Thank you for trying this Sicilian-style tomato bruschetta. May it bring a burst of Mediterranean sunshine to your table and become a go-to favourite in your summer repertoire.

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