Simple Tomato Salad

Description
.

Ingredients

 * 1 pound ripe juicy tomatoes
 * 1/2 clove garlic
 * 1 tablespoon balsamic or red wine vinegar
 * 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
 * salt and freshly-ground pepper to taste
 * handful fresh basil leaves, torn in half
 * garlic croutons or torn pieces of crusty bread, toasted or not (optional)

Directions
1. Wash and core tomatoes. Cut into thick slices.

2. Peel the garlic. In the serving bowl, rub the garlic using the tips of a fork, to make a puree, then add the vinegar and oil.

3. Add the tomatoes, tossing gently to coat with dressing. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

4. Scatter top of salad with the torn basil leaves.

5. Add croutons or pieces of bread, if using, to soak up the delicious juices.