Spork and Knife

 Photo by LynnInHK

Every August the world waits for tomato season to arrive, and if you’re like many, Caprese salad is on the menu every night, from the first ripe tomato to the last.  

Yesterday I decided to shake things up, and make a Panzanella, or Italian Bread Salad.  Some call it the “left over” salad because it consists of things you might have lying around the kitchen. 

This is an easier version of the recipe, but for others go here.  

You will need the following

• A crusty baguette, cut into 1 inch cubes (if you can’t find a crusty or old baguette, simply heat your over to 300 degrees and pop your bread cubes (on a cookie sheet) in for 10-20 minutes.  Enough to dry them out, but not toast them. 
• 3-4 medium to large tomatoes, seeded and chopped into 1 inch sections
• 1 shallot, finely chopped (some may not like this, but I used a white onion…they’re cheaper)
• Basil…the fresher the better.  Roughly chop or tear a handful of leaves. 
• 1/4 cup Sherry Vinegar (If you don’t have this, Balsamic or Red Wine Vinegar will work)
• 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Salt & Pepper
• Crumbled Parmesan Cheese
• Spinach leaves

Directions

If you need to toast your baguette, do this now.  (See directions above)

To make the vinaigrette: In a large bowl, whisk together the shallot, vinegar, salt and pepper.  Slowly (should take you about 30 seconds) pour in the olive oil, whisking until well combined. 

To your large bowl, add the tomatoes and the chopped/torn basil, toss to combine.

In a separate serving bowl, place your spinach leaves.

A few minutes before serving, add your bread cubes to the tomato/vinaigrette bowl, tossing them so they are coated.  IMPORTANT:  you do not want the bread crumbs to become mushy, so make sure to simply coat.

Once everything is mixed, scoop your tomato bread mix onto your bowl of spinach leaves, top with crumbled Parmesan cheese, and Mangia! 

*For people who like a lot of vinaigrette, pour any that’s leftover in your mixing bowl, and put it in a serving dish.  Those who like a like of dressing will appreciate it!