Recipe - Panzanella (Tuscan Bread salad) with Mozzarella

Serves - 4 | Prepare - 15 mins + chilling time | Level - Beginner

What you’ll need

• 1 small cucumber, roughly chopped

• 1 large red onion, roughly chopped

• 3 very ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped

• 1 ciabatta or small sourdough loaf, cut into large cubes

• 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 5 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 2 tbsp capers, rinsed and drained

• 1-2 tsp sugar(to taste)

• 12 basil leaves, roughly crushed

• 1 mozzarella ball, torn into pieces

Method

Step 1

Place your chopped onions in a bowl, cover with 2 tbsp vinegar, add 1 tsp of sugar and a little water. Allow the onions to soak in the liquid for 10 mins.

Step 2

Put the cucumber, marinated onions, tomatoes in a large bowl and add the bread. Mix well with your hands and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3

Whisk the olive oil, remaining red wine vinegar, capers, sugar and some salt and pepper together and add to the bowl with the basil. Give it a good stir, then cover and leave in the fridge for a few hours for the flavours to mellow. The bread should feel moist but not soggy.

Photo by Luisa Brimble on Unsplash