PANZANELLA RECIPE ~ Ina Garten & Barefoot Bloggers
Barefoot Bloggers & Ina Garten's Panzanella
Barefoot Bloggers now has 98 members and steadily growing. Melissa of It's Melissa's Kitchen has chosen the Panzanella Recipe from Ina Garten's awesome collection. You can find it in Ina's book, "Barefoot Contessa Parties" on page 102, or you can click on The Food Network and print it off for yourself! This one's a keeper!
Panzanella Recipe
I have to admit, I had no idea what Panzanella was until I checked out Ina's recipe! It sounded Italian or Greek to me, but what do I know about such things? I'm a baker! I was delighted to see that it was an extremely easy recipe and one that I knew I would love after looking at the ingredients. It's basically a jazzed up version of Bread Salad!
Isn't this colorful? A feast for the eyes!
With lots of fresh ingredients like tomatoes, red peppers, yellow peppers (I used green instead), red onion, fresh basil, cucumbers and capers in it. Don't go yuck on the capers! They really do add a unique flavor to the salad!
It calls for a loaf of French Bread that I sauteed in seasoned olive oil almost like you're making croutons.
Sprinkle it with some kosher salt and pepper as it's cooking. That only takes 10 minutes! While that's cooking, I chopped up the colorful veggies and tossed them with the basil.
I made a quick vinaigrette with garlic, dijon mustard, vinegar (I used balsamic vinegar because I didn't have what the recipe called for), some olive oil and salt & pepper.
You toss this all together in a big bowl. It's so pretty with all the vibrant summer veggies in it. It's a real feast for the eyes! You can serve it right away or you can let it sit for 30 minutes and let the flavors meld and the bread soften a bit.
This Panzanella Recipe is awesome! It took very little time and it made a lot! It would have made twice the amount if I hadn't had the good sense to cut the recipe in half! This salad could easily serve 6-8 people! And the best part? It wasn't expensive at all because the produce is in season right now! Make it for your next family reunion or picnic get together. Just make sure to keep the salad ingredients, toasted bread and vinaigrette separate until you're ready to serve it, otherwise it will probably be one soggy mess!
It's a Keeper!
John had TWO helpings tonight and pronounced it a keeper! That's good enough for me!
The photos are absolutely amazing! And I agree about the capers...they really add a pop of flavor.
Posted by: Brenda | August 14, 2008 at 02:39 AM
Beautiful photos. I agree, the salad is definitely a keeper.
Posted by: Natashya | August 14, 2008 at 03:39 AM
Your panzanella is beautiful! I loved this recipe and can't wait to make it again. Definately a keeper! : )
Your pictures are great!
Posted by: Aggie | August 14, 2008 at 04:41 AM
This looks so delicious. I had never heard of this recipe before but believe it is another one that I must make. I do believe that I will also cut it in half. I made the pasta, peas and pesto recipe and that made way too much!! Good tho.
Thanks.
Cheryl
Posted by: Cheryl Sims | August 14, 2008 at 04:46 AM
Your panzanella looks delicious! I could eat it for breakfast. Great photos!
Posted by: Liliana | August 14, 2008 at 04:48 AM
Your pictures are beautiful! I agree the salad is great.
Posted by: Veronica | August 14, 2008 at 06:10 AM
Gorgeous salad and I'm intrigued by the dessert pizza. I've got to try that.
Posted by: Prudy | August 14, 2008 at 06:30 AM
Looks great! I thought this was a great recipe as well.
Posted by: Sarah | August 14, 2008 at 08:12 AM
I'm glad you liked it! Maybe next time I'll mix the bread in. I keep reading about how the bread wasn't soggy. My husband loved it as well.
~Cat
Posted by: The Cat's Pajamas | August 14, 2008 at 08:23 AM
Absolutely gorgeous pics! Glad you liked it!
Posted by: Melissa | August 14, 2008 at 09:46 AM
Your panzanella looks so well-behaved, sitting on that plate. I'll be posting mine later, but it looks like it should be sitting in time-out. Is there a right way to photograph a salad?
Posted by: Rebecca | August 14, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Hmm Hmm Good - This really looks yummy. I have all her cookbooks but have not tried this one - You have inspired my to get off my backside and try it!!
Posted by: Cathy - wheresmydamnanswer | August 14, 2008 at 10:20 AM
your salad looks AMAZING! it makes me want to go get stuff and try it all over again!
Posted by: Courtney | August 14, 2008 at 10:43 AM