Panzanella (Tuscan bread salad)

This 'panzanella' salad is as Florentine as they come. Most Tuscan dishes derives from peasants  and there is no exception in this case.  The main ingredient in this ‘salad’ is stale bread, YES stale bread.  Never letting any food go to waste, this is a delicious way to re-invent your un-loved bread. Traditionally this dish was made solely adding onions, however during the 20th century tomatoes were introduced. Some recipes call for olives, anchovies, capers, lemon juice, however these additions are frowned upon amongst traditionalists. Maybe my addition of a cucumber might also be controversial? In any case, this is a perfect summer salad as there is no cooking required. I was salivating whilst making this from the aroma of the ripe tomatoes mixed with garlic and vinegar.  Make this ahead of time to allow flavours to intensify.

what you need (serving for four people):

three thick slices of Tuscan style bread (no salt)

two small red onions (or shallots)

large handful fresh basil
1/4 cup olive oil
3/4 cup white wine vinegar

salt and fresh cracked black pepper

one garlic clove
one medium size Lebanese cucumber (optional)

how to make:
1: Roughly dice the red onions and leave to soak in 1/2 cup of white wine vinegar for at least two hours

2: Chop the tomatoes roughly but remove the seeds, place in a bowl.  Remove the skin of the cucumber and chop roughly the same size as the tomatoes, add to the bowl with tomatoes.  Finely chop the garlic and mix through with the tomatoes and cucumber.  Add salt and pepper to taste, mix through.

3:  Cut three thick slices of bread, then tear roughly into the salad bowl, toss through.  Some recipes require the bread to be soaked in water, I prefer a little crunch so I do not do this. It is also important to use a dense un-salted loaf that is completley stale.

4: Finally add the vinegar soaked onions to the bowl, and hand torn basil leaves, stir through.  Mix 1/4 cup of white wine vinegar with 1/4 cup olive oil and drizzle over salad, again stir through.  Taste and add more seasoning if nessasary. Present on a large serving plate