Panzanella

A basic recipe for Panzanella, a delicious Italian bread salad. Enjoy it as a main dish on warm days or serve it as a side with grilled dishes. This refreshing and flavourful preparation is a great way to use up old bread and fresh vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 stale baguette
• 4–5 ripe tomatoes
• 1 cucumber
• 1 red onion
• Handful of fresh basil leaves
• Handful of black olives
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Wash the tomatoes, remove the seeds and cut into cubes.
2. Wash the cucumber and slice it thinly.
3. Peel and slice the red onion into thin rings.
4. Tear the bread into small chunks.

Instructions:

1. Place the bread pieces in a large bowl and sprinkle with a little water. Let the bread soak for a few minutes to soften.
2. Add the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, basil leaves and olives to the bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the olive oil and red wine vinegar to make a dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to combine.
5. Let the Panzanella rest for at least 20–30 minutes, so the bread can absorb the flavours of the vegetables and dressing.
6. Before serving, garnish with some extra basil and olives if desired.