Panzanella is a Tuscan salad of tomatoes and bread! It is a perfect summer side dish and a great way to use up any leftover bread. There are endless variations of Panzanella and my version is an effort inspired by the classic recipe, to use the ingredients available at hand , delicious and refreshing on a hot summer day! The star of the show is tomatoes, so try to use as many colors as possible.
Tomatoes have many health benefits because of their wealth of nutrients and vitamins. Keep reading to find out why tomatoes should be a part of your regular balanced diet.
- Tomatoes are good for skin.
- Tomatoes have a considerable amount of calcium and vitamin K so they are good for bones.
- They contain a great deal of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. These vitamins work as essential antioxidants.
- The Vitamin A in tomatoes helps to keep your hair shiny and strong. In addition, it also does wonders for your eyes.
- Tomatoes are packed full of the valuable mineral known as chromium. It works effectively to help diabetics keep their blood sugar levels under better control.
- The lycopene in tomatoes reduces cholesterol and protects the heart.
Now coming to the simple yet delicious recipe which can be rustled up in a jiffy!
Cuisine: Italian Serves : 2-3 Course: Starter/Light lunch
Ingredients:
- 1/2 Cucumber : seeds removed and sliced into half moons or quarters
- 1 Red/Pink onion: very thinly sliced
- 250 gm sweet vine ripened tomatoes halved or quartered
- 3-4 leaves of iceberg lettuce torn into bite size pieces or any preferred salad leaves
- 4-5 pieces of sun dried tomatoes ,chopped
- 2 good handfuls of fresh basil leaves
- 2-3 slices of Italian crusty bread torn into bite size pieces
- sea salt
- Lime juice of half lime
- 1 tbsp+ 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried mixed Italian herbs
- Freshly crushed black pepper
Method:
- Preheat the oven to gas 1/2, 130°C, fan 110°C. Put the bread cubes in a baking tray lined with baking paper , and drizzle with 1 tbsp of olive oil , salt and Italian herbs . Mix nicely and put in preheated oven for 10 mins. Check in between after 5 mins. They should be crisp but not hard.
- In a wide bowl put together cucumber, onion , tomatoes and add salt, lime juice, freshly crushed black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Tear basil leaves with hand and add it to the salad. Mix everything nicely.
- Cover it for 10-15 mins to let the juices drain out , which is going to make the delicious dressing for our salad.
- After 10-15 minutes add lettuce leaves or salad greens , chopped sun dried tomatoes , and toasted bread chunks.
- Add basil leaves and mix everything .
- Adjust seasoning.
- The simple yet refreshing salad is ready to devour.