Tired of the same old side dishes? If you've never heard of it, let me introduce you to Panzanella. And if you have had it, let me introduce you to a fun new way of making it.
For those of you who don't know Panzanella, the easiest way to describe it is a stale bread and vegetable salad. Sounds appetizing doesn't it? Well, if you make it right it can be one of the best salads you'll ever have.
I love Panzanella for a number of reasons. Of course it's a great way to use leftover bread but that's not what makes this dish special. The beauty of this salad is to use the best ingredients you have available and then not do a whole lot with them.
Grilled Panzanella Salad
3/4 of a loaf of day-old crusty, rustic bread, cut into 1-inch thick slices
2 large tomatoes (about 1 pound), trimmed and each cut half
1 large red bell pepper, halved and seeds removed
1 large green bell pepper, halved and seeds removed
1 large red onion, sliced into large rings
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red-wine vinegar
1 tablespoon capers, rinsed
1/2 bunch fresh basil leaves, shredded (about 1/4 cup)
Freshly cracked black pepper and kosher salt, to taste
Prepare grill for medium-high direct heat. Place bread slices on grate and grill 1 to 2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove and set aside to cool slightly before cutting into large chunks.
Place tomatoes, cut side down, peppers and onion on grate and grill 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly charred. Remove and set aside to cool slightly before cutting into large chunks.
In a large salad bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar and any liquid released from the grilled tomatoes. Add bread, vegetables and all the remaining ingredients except the basil and toss to coat. Let salad stand at room temperature at least 1 hour, tossing every 20 minutes. Add the basil and toss just before serving.
Now this looks perfect for summer entertaining. yum!
Posted by: Laura | 07/25/2011 at 10:35 AM
fabulous!
Posted by: Warren Bobrow | 08/04/2011 at 09:15 AM
It's not only very tasty but also delicious! Am I right?
Posted by: f writers | 10/10/2011 at 10:44 AM