Panzanella

  • 6

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb. Rustic Bread or Italian, 1 day old 1"thick slices
  • 1/2 c. cold water
  • 1 med. cucumber, peeled, seeded, cut in 1/4" pcs.
  • 1/4 c. plus 1T. red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1/2 c. evoo
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 2 lbs. ripe tomatoes about6, seeded, cut into 1/2" cubes
  • 1 medium red onion, chopped
  • 1/2 c. fresh basil leaves, torn

Preparation

Step 1

Sprinkle the bread with the water and let stand 2 minutes. Tear or cut bread into 1" pcs. Spread pieces of bread on paper towels to dry for 20 minutes

Spread cucumber pieces on a paper towel and sprinkle with salt. Let stand 20 minutes. Rinse cucumbers and pat dry

In a large mixing bowl, combine vinegar and garlic, then whisk in olive oil. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
Add cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, basil and bread. Toss to combine, and let stand until the bread has absorbed some of the vinegarette.

For a salad entree, add hard boiled eggs, grilled tuna and capers