Panzanella

Method

1. Rub the halved garlic clove all over the inside of a large salad bowl.
2. Break the bread into rough chunks, then sprinkle over the oil, vinegar and 2 tbsp. water.
3. Toss well and leave to soak for 5 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, prepare all the remaining ingredients.
5. Stir the vegetables into the bread, toss well to mix, then serve.

Chef's tip

If you prefer it sweeter, add a little bit of balsamic to the red wine vinegar.

Serving suggestion

Panzanella can be served as a single dish or as an appetizer. You can combine it with both cold cuts or fish. 

Wine selection

Calasole Vermentino Maremma Toscana DOC, Bianco di Pitigliano (tuscan white wine) or Ortrugo (DOC variety from Piacenza's hills).

Family tip

For this recipe you can use both Filippo Berio Extra Virgin or Gusto Fruttato olive oil. The former has a stronger taste, while the latter is milder.

Dish history

The Panzanella is a typical dish from central Italy, very famous in Tuscany, Marche and Lazio. The original recipe calls for stale bread, red onion, basil, olive oil, vinegar and salt, but over time some more ingredients, such as fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, have made it onto the list of the church's recipe components. Depending on the region, there are different ways of making panzanella: in Tuscany, for instance, the bread is left in a receptacle with water until well soaked, then it gets squeezed, broken into pieces and mixed with the other ingredients. In the regions of Marche and Lazio, alternatively, slices of bread are soaked but not crumbled, and they are topped with the other ingredients, as if it were a bruschetta. A very fresh dish, ideal in summer, when the ingredients are in season.