Bibas Panzanella Recipes

PANZANELLA

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.

BIBA'S PANZANELLA

Steps:

• Break bread into pieces, place in bowl and add cold water to barely cover; soak for about 5 minutes.
• Drain bread and squeeze out as much of the water as possible with you hands; crumble the bread into a large bowl.
• Add the tomatoes, cucumber, onion and basil; season with salt and pepper, Add the oil and the vinegar and mix well to combine.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning; chill salad in the refrigerator for about 1 hour before serving, enjoy.