Whisk Away to Tuscany: How to Create Authentic Panzanella at Home

Fans of Southern flavors, rejoice! Discovering a simple dish that encapsulates the essence of its cuisine isn't always easy, but look no further than your kitchen. You might already have everything you need, without the need to search through specialty Italian stores.

Panzanella is the epitome of "leftover cuisine" - a dish that transforms stale bread, a slice of onion, and a tomato into something magical. This seemingly simple combination will whisk you away to the sunny landscapes of Tuscany, making you fall in love with its taste at the very first bite. This recipe was a treasure I brought home from a trip to Florence.

Panzanella, a salad hailing from Tuscany and Umbria, becomes a star in the summer months. It's an economical choice packed with vibrant Southern flavors. The classic version melds together stale bread, onions, and tomatoes. Additions like cucumbers, basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and a splash of vinegar can enhance its taste. For those who aren’t fans of raw onions, a quick soak in vinegar water, such as red wine vinegar, can mellow their flavor.

The salad's name is a liaison between "pane" (Italian for "bread") and "zanella" (a deep plate), offering a nod to its humble origins. Modern twists on Panzanella incorporate ingredients like lettuce, olives, mozzarella, and more, though purists prefer the simplicity of the original which featured just onions, sans tomatoes.

What sets panzanella apart is its bread - traditionally, Tuscan bread, known for being baked without salt. While it may not top everyone's list of favorite breads, in this dish, it's a star, especially when slightly stale or toasted and soaked in a balance of water and red wine vinegar.

Ingredients:

- 4 slices of stale or toasted sourdough bread

- 6 tomatoes

- 1 red onion

- A handful of basil leaves

Preparation:

1. Start by cutting the bread into medium-sized cubes. Briefly soak each piece in a mix of vinegar and water (equal parts; about 1.7 fluid ounces of each).

3. Finely chop the basil. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, season with salt and pepper to taste, and then dress with olive oil and additional vinegar if desired.

By following these steps, you'll create a dish that's not only a feast for the palate but also a heartwarming homage to Tuscan countryside flavors.