Panzanella - Bread Salad

"Panzanella is one of several classic recipes using dry or day-old bread. Many American versions use croutons, but the authentic version is made with a dry bread that is soaked in water to reconstitute it, then is mixed with tomato, cucumber, basil, and onion, and dressed with olive oil and vinegar. In hard times, it was often made with just bread and onion, but today you may see such additions as tuna, green beans, bell peppers, anchovies, hard-boiled eggs, and capers." Pamela Sheldon Johns cucina povera

• 1 pound day-old country-style bread, cut into several pieces
• 2 large ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 sprigs basil for garnish

Method Crumble the bread in a large bowl and add water to cover. Let soak for 15 minutes. Squeeze the bread with your hands and discard the soaking water. Place the bread in a medium bowl with the tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. In a small bowl, combine the garlic and vinegar. Gradually whisk in the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the dressing with the bread mixture, then garnish with basil sprigs and serve at once. Serves 6 Reprinted with permission from Cucina Povera: Tuscan Peasant Cooking, by Pamela Sheldon Johns, published by Andrews McMeel click for book review and more recipes more bread recipes        more salad recipes         chef & cookbook vegetable recipes

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