Panzanella
Serving
Time to be Ready
Difficulty
Cuisine
- 4 cupStale Bread (cubed)
- 4 pcsTomatoes (large & diced)
- 1 pcsCucumber (peeled and sliced)
- 1 pcsRed Onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cupBasil Leaves
- 1/4 cupExtra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 tbspRed Wine Vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, diced tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion slices, and torn basil leaves.
- 2Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar over the ingredients in the bowl.
- 3Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 4Gently toss all the ingredients together, ensuring the bread is coated with the dressing.
- 5Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- 6Give the panzanella a final toss before serving.
- 7Serve the panzanella immediately as a refreshing and light salad.
Panzanella, the delightful Italian bread salad, is a true celebration of freshness and simplicity. This classic dish originates from the beautiful region of Tuscany, where it is often enjoyed during the hot summer months. With its vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and rustic charm, Panzanella has become a favorite among food lovers worldwide.
At the heart of Panzanella is the use of stale bread, which is given new life when combined with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber slices, and thinly sliced red onions. The bread soaks up the zesty dressing made from extra-virgin olive oil and tangy red wine vinegar, resulting in a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Fragrant fresh basil leaves add a touch of herbaceousness, while salt and pepper elevate the taste profile.
The beauty of Panzanella lies in its versatility. While the classic recipe calls for the aforementioned ingredients, you can easily adapt it to your liking. Feel free to add olives for a briny kick, capers for a burst of tanginess, or even some creamy mozzarella cheese for a richer twist. The possibilities are endless, and you can let your creativity shine.
Preparing Panzanella is a breeze, as it requires no cooking. Simply combine the ingredients, let them marinate for a few minutes, and you’re ready to serve a vibrant and satisfying salad. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch, a side dish, or even a main course, Panzanella is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving more.
So, gather your freshest produce, gather your stale bread, and get ready to experience the joy of Panzanella. It’s a dish that captures the essence of summer, bringing together the best of seasonal ingredients in a harmonious medley of flavors. Get ready to indulge in this Tuscan treasure and transport yourself to the sun-kissed fields of Italy with every bite.
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