Panzanella

Dropbear's Note:

Tuscan bread salad, great on it's own or with a bar b q lunch or dinner.

• Total Time: 25 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 5 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 1 lb filone bread or 1 lb other hearty Italian bread
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ripe tomatoes
• 1/4 cup sliced red onion
• 1 bunch fresh basil leaf (about 1 cup)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup shaved romano pecorino cheese

Directions:

1. Cut bread into 1" cubes.
2. In bowl, toss bread with 1/4 cup olive oil and 2 cloves garlic.
3. Place on baking sheet and toast for 5 minutes on 350 degree oven.
4. Cut tomatoes into 1" pieces; place in bowl with red onion, basil leaves, oliveoil, vinegar, salt and pepper to tast.
5. Toss in toasted bread.
6. Allow to sit for 1/2 hour, tossing often.
7. Bread should be soft and saturated slightly with the oil and vinegar.
8. Taste for seasoning.
9. Serve with shaved Romano cheese on top.
10. You can add grilled shrimp, kalamata olives or grilled chicken strips to the salad for a complete one dish meal.

Reviews

[Jewelies]

This is really lovely, thank you. I made for Christmas to go with our ham and a few salad items. Made the coutons the night before and then just put everything together when I was ready.

[Evie*]

This is absolutely delicious, I made it for our Christmas '08 barbecue, the flavours are divine and it looks so pretty. One of my favourite 2008 recipes for sure.

[JustJanS]

I thought I had reviewed this a few months ago, but it seems I forgot! I could live on this wonderful salad-it truly is a 5 star recipe all the way. My house smells wonderful right now as the garlic coated bread cubes cook for tonights salad. Nothing to alter, nothing to add, it's perfect for me.