Indulge in the rustic charm and vibrant flavors of Tuscan cuisine with Panzanella, a classic Italian salad that transforms humble ingredients into a refreshing and delectable summer dish. Originating from the region of Tuscany, Panzanella is a celebration of fresh, seasonal produce, where juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and aromatic basil dance together in a symphony of flavors. This versatile salad welcomes variations, allowing you to explore different versions that cater to your taste preferences. Discover the traditional Panzanella recipe, featuring a delightful combination of bread, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and a tangy dressing. Embark on a culinary journey as you explore variations that incorporate grilled bread, roasted vegetables, or even a burst of citrusy goodness. Let Panzanella transport you to the heart of Tuscany, where simple ingredients unite to create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Let's cook with our recipes!
PANZANELLA
Toasted bread and colorful fresh veggies are tossed with a light dressing in this Italian salad. Of course, you can add or take away ingredients to your liking!
Provided by JUNEBUFF1
Categories Salad
Time 52m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, green onion, yellow pepper, parsley, and basil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, ground black pepper, and garlic. Pour lemon juice mixture over the tomato mixture, and toss to coat. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes, or until toasted and dry.
- Toss bread cubes with tomato mixture, and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 205.7 calories, Carbohydrate 36.8 g, Fat 3.8 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 7.7 g, SaturatedFat 0.7 g, Sodium 350.8 mg, Sugar 5.2 g
PANZANELLA
Provided by Giada De Laurentiis
Categories side-dish
Time 1h15m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Soak the capers in 2 tablespoons of vinegar in a small bowl for 10 minutes. Drain.
- Cut the crust off of the bread. Cut into 2-inch slices and grill, drizzling about 2 tablespoons of olive oil on both sides of the bread. Once grilled, cut or tear bread into 1 inch cubes and set aside.
- Submerge the tomatoes into a large saucepan of boiling water for 10 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatoes to a large bowl of ice water to cool slightly. Using a small sharp paring knife, peel off the tomato skins. Cut the tomatoes in half and scoop out the seeds. Cut the tomatoes into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk 2/3 cup of the olive oil, 1/4 cup of vinegar, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add the bread cubes, tomatoes, and basil; toss to combine.
- Transfer half of the bread mixture to a 13 by 9 by 2-inch dish.
- Arrange half of the roasted peppers, drained capers, and olives over the bread mixture. Repeat layering with the remaining bread mixture, then the remaining roasted peppers, capers, and olives. Cover the salad and let stand at room temperature for flavors to blend, at least 1 hour.
- Garnish with the basil sprigs and serve.
PANZANELLA
Steps:
- Heat the oil in a large saute pan. Add the bread and salt; cook over low to medium heat, tossing frequently, for 10 minutes, or until nicely browned. Add more oil as needed.
- For the vinaigrette, whisk all the ingredients together.
- In a large bowl, mix the tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper, yellow pepper, red onion, basil, and capers. Add the bread cubes and toss with the vinaigrette. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Serve, or allow the salad to sit for about half an hour for the flavors to blend.
DESSERT PANZANELLA
Provided by Alton Brown
Categories dessert
Time 30m
Yield 4 to 6 servings...or 1, if it's Alton
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Place an inch of water in the saucepan and bring to a bare simmer and keep it there. Manage the heat to avoid boiling.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat for 5 minutes then sear the fruit on all the cut sides. Try not to cook the fruit until it turns mushy...but you do want color. When the fruit is almost done, add 2 ounces of the Marsala to the skillet and cook another 30 seconds. Remove the fruit to a bowl and pour over with whatever liquid remains in the pan. Stir in the basil. Set aside.
- Toast the cake pieces in a toaster oven, or quickly broil them in your main oven. We're looking for toasty golden edges here...not burnt bits. Divide the cubes between the serving bowls. (A few of these pieces will fall into your mouth...that's to be expected.)
- To make the zabaglione, whisk the egg yolks in the metal bowl vigorously for 3 minutes. They will lighten in color and increase in volume a bit. While still whisking, slowly add half of the sugar. Combine the rum with the remaining Marsala and drizzle half into the egg yolks, still whisking, then the rest of the sugar and then the remaining marsala/rum combo.
- Set the bowl over the simmering water and reduce the heat to low. Stir constantly for 8 to 10 minutes, to cook the eggs and create a light foam. Your arm will get tired but you will be a hero.
- The zabaglione will be done when it reaches a light, frothy ribbon stage (falls like a "ribbon" off the whisk) and hits 135 degrees F on your thermometer. At that point, remove the bowl from the saucepan and continue whisking for 1 minute to work in some cool air and stop the cooking.
- Top the cake "croutons" with the fruit and spoon on the zabaglione and consume while warm. Later, when the guests have gone, lick the remaining zabaglione out of the bowl like the savage animal you are.
Tips:
- Use the best ingredients you can find. This means using fresh, ripe tomatoes, good-quality olive oil, and crusty bread. You can also add other vegetables to your panzanella, such as cucumbers, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Cut the bread into small pieces. This will help it to absorb the dressing and become soft and flavorful.
- Toast the bread before adding it to the salad. This will give it a nice crunch and help to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Use a light dressing. A simple vinaigrette is a good choice, or you can use a store-bought Italian dressing. Avoid using too much dressing, as this can make the salad oily and heavy.
- Let the salad rest for a while before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the bread to soften.
Conclusion:
Panzanella is a delicious and refreshing salad that is perfect for summer. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own preferences. With a few simple tips, you can make a panzanella that is sure to impress your friends and family.
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