Garlicky Tomato Toast

Serves 4 to 6.

Note: From David Tanis.

• 3 or 4 very ripe medium tomatoes (about 1 1/2 lb.)

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes (about 12 oz.)

• 4 to 6 large slices sturdy sourdough bread, about 1/2-in. thick

• 4 to 6 garlic cloves, peeled

• Salt and pepper

• Extra-virgin olive oil

• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish, optional

Directions

Cut 2 tomatoes in half crosswise. Place a box grater in a shallow bowl and grate the tomato flesh from the cut sides, pushing through the large holes. You should have 1 cup or so of coarse tomato purée. Set purée aside, and discard tomato skins.

Cut remaining large tomatoes into 1/4-inch slices. Cut cherry tomatoes in half. Set aside.

Toast the bread until nicely browned and crisp. (Toasting over a charcoal grill yields a rich, smoky flavor, but a toaster, toaster oven or broiler works just as well.)

With your fingers, rub the top of each toast with a garlic clove. You will see the cloves get smaller as the garlic is dispersed, pushed into the bread. (For a less garlicky toast, press lightly when rubbing.)

Place toasts on a platter or individual plates. Spoon and spread a heaping tablespoon of tomato purée over each toast. Then arrange tomato slices and cherry tomatoes randomly on top.

Sprinkle generously with salt, pepper and a tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil per toast. Garnish with whole or torn basil leaves, if using.

Nutrition information per serving (using 9 oz. of bread):

Calories230Fat10 gSodium265 mg

Carbohydrates29 gSaturated fat2 gTotal sugars6 g

Protein6 gCholesterol0 mgDietary fiber2 g

Exchanges per serving: 2 starch, 1½ fat.