Tomatoes With Crusty Bread Recipes

Steps:

• Core and chop the tomatoes, then transfer to a colander over a bowl or in the sink. Add the salt and gently stir. Let drain for up to 2 hours.
• Meanwhile, make the garlic oil: In a small saucepan, warm the olive oil and garlic over low heat until the garlic is softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, making sure the garlic doesn't brown. Set aside to cool.
• Roll the basil leaves up and thinly slice crosswise.
• When the oil is cool and the tomatoes are well drained, combine the tomatoes, garlic oil and basil in a medium bowl. Season with additional salt, to taste. Spoon over toasted bread.

Steps:

• Cut slices of bread about 2/3-inch thick. Cut tomatoes in half. Rub their pulp slowly into both sides of the bread slices to color the bread. Sprinkle both sides of the bread with salt. Drizzle both sides of the bread slices with olive oil. Arrange the slices on a large platter. If desired, serve with very thin slices of the Serrano ham.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°F with rack in middle. Butter a 3-quart baking dish (about 13 by 9 by 2 inches).
• Drain tomatoes, reserving 1 cup juice, then chop.
• Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a 5- to 6-quart heavy pot over medium-high heat until foam subsides, then cook onions with 1/2 teaspoon salt, stirring occasionally, until golden-brown, about 10 minutes. Add garlic, allspice, and cloves and cook, stirring, 1 minute.
• Stir in tomatoes with reserved juice, thyme, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and briskly simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, melt remaining 1/2 stick butter and brush onto both sides of bread. Halve each slice.
• Transfer tomato mixture to baking dish and top with bread, overlapping slightly. Bake until bubbling and bread is crisp and golden-brown, about 20 minutes.