Delicious Italian Recipe: Panzanella
Panzanella is a traditional Italian food dish that is perfect for warm summer days. This refreshing salad features a mix of ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, basil, and chunks of day-old bread soaked in tangy vinaigrette.
This Italian recipe is ideal for casual gatherings such as picnics, barbecues, or outdoor parties. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors of Panzanella make it a crowd-pleaser that will impress your guests.
Next time you are looking for a light and flavorful dish to serve at your event, consider preparing Panzanella. Your guests will love this taste of Italy.
Italian Panzanella Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of stale bread (preferably Tuscan or sourdough), cut into cubes
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup of black olives, pitted and sliced
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn into small pieces
- 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar
- 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Serves: 4 persons
Instructions:
Panzanella is a classic Italian dish that makes use of stale bread to create a delicious and refreshing salad.
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, olives, and basil leaves.
Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the bread mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated.
Step 4: Let the Panzanella sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
This traditional Italian recipe is perfect for summer when ripe tomatoes are abundant. The combination of crunchy bread soaked in tangy dressing with fresh vegetables makes for a satisfying meal or side dish. Enjoy!
Difficulty score: 1 out of 10. This recipe is very easy to make as it requires no cooking and simple ingredients that just need to be mixed together. Perfect for beginners!
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Nutrition: Panzanella (Panzanella)
Here is the nutrition information per serving for Panzanella:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 6g
Panzanella is a traditional Italian recipe that typically consists of tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, basil, and stale bread tossed in a vinaigrette dressing. This dish is relatively healthy as it is packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, providing a good source of vitamins and minerals. The fiber content from the vegetables and bread also helps promote digestive health.
Serving suggestions for Panzanella (Panzanella)
When serving Panzanella, it is important to present it in an appealing way that showcases the vibrant colors and fresh ingredients. One popular serving suggestion is to arrange the salad on a large platter and garnish it with a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil. This not only adds flavor but also enhances the visual appeal of the dish.
Another creative way to serve Panzanella is to use individual serving bowls or glasses. Layer the salad ingredients in each bowl, starting with cubes of toasted bread at the bottom, followed by the vegetables and herbs, and finish with a dollop of creamy mozzarella cheese. This presentation adds an elegant touch to the classic Italian dish.
- Arrange on a platter with extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil
- Serve in individual bowls or glasses for an elegant presentation
What to serve with Panzanella (Panzanella)
Panzanella is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish alongside other Italian favorites. To complement the flavors of this traditional Italian recipe, consider serving it with grilled meats such as steak, chicken, or sausages. The hearty bread and fresh vegetables in Panzanella pair well with the savory flavors of grilled meats.
If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can serve Panzanella with other classic Italian dishes such as caprese salad, pasta primavera, or even a simple plate of assorted antipasti. These dishes not only provide variety but also enhance the overall dining experience by offering different textures and flavors.
- Serve with grilled meats like steak, chicken, or sausages for a hearty meal
- Create a vegetarian spread with caprese salad, pasta primavera, or antipasti for variety
Tips for Enhancing the Flavor of Panzanella
When making this traditional Italian recipe, Panzanella, there are a few tips to help elevate the flavors:
1. Use ripe and flavorful tomatoes: Opt for juicy and ripe tomatoes as they will add sweetness and acidity to the dish.
2. Toast the bread: Toasting the bread cubes in olive oil before adding them to the salad will give them a crunchy texture and enhance their flavor.
3. Add fresh herbs: Incorporating fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano will provide a burst of freshness to the dish.
4. Use high-quality olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil will add richness and depth to the salad.
5. Season generously with salt and pepper: Proper seasoning is key to bringing out all the flavors in this Italian food classic.
Spicy Score: 3/10
I would rate Panzanella as a 3 out of 10 on the spicy scale. This dish typically does not include spicy ingredients, as it focuses more on showcasing the freshness of the vegetables and bread. However, you can add a touch of heat by incorporating some red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers if you prefer a slightly spicy kick.