Got a loaf of wholemeal sourdough or ciabiatta leftover from the weekend?
Don't worry that it's stale, it's perfect for this salad! Panzanella is an Italian bread salad which uses crusty stale bread along with fresh tomatoes, the tomato juice soaks into the bread to create a delicious salad. Savour the last days of warm weather by serving with BBQ lamb or pork cutlets.
Take 1 loaf (or however much you have leftover) of stale wholemeal sourdough or ciabiatta loaf and cut into bite size cubes (you can leave the crusts on or take them off - your choice). Dice 4-5 large tomatoes and add half a finely sliced spanish onion, 1 diced clove of garlic, a handful of torn basil and a good glug of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with S&P and serve.
You can also add any other ingredients to the salad including cucumber, roasted capsicum and cheeses including feta or bocconcini or a handful of green leaves such rocket or baby spinach etc. And as a variation you can brush the sliced bread with garlic infused olive oil & char grill before cutting into chunks.
Image: Pinterest via tangoiltalia.com