Panzanella review? (6/02)

[AndreaU]

Has anyone tried the Tuscan Panzanella on p. 198 of the June issue. Since we're off to Italy in 3 weeks, I want to try some of the cuisine before we go. Can this be a main dish? What else would accompany this?

TIA for any reviews/suggestions/comments. ;)

[mb]

it was ok, but i feel like i've had other panzanella dishes that were better. i've never been to italy, so i can't really comment on the authenticity of this dish, but i have to say i wasn't particularly wowed by this. you might be better off to try something else. we did, however, like the eggplant napoleons. but then again, i'm not so sure how authentic they are either.

i'm curious to hear what other people thought about this.

andrea, sorry i can't be of more help! enjoy your trip to italy!
marisa :)

[BethR]

I made this tonight and DH and I really liked it. I seasoned the bread cubes with some italian seasoning and a little kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper before baking. A definite repeater. I'm not sure how authentic it is -- the tomatoes, basil and white beans seem pretty representative of Tuscan cooking -- don't know about the red onions and kalamata olives though. I served it with Lemon-Dill Carrots from CL Complete. (An odd choice, I know, but I had all the ingredients for it on hand.) We thought the carrots were so-so.

Enjoy your trip to Italy! We were there about five years ago (Florence/Pisa areas and in between) and loved it. I'd love to go back someday!

Beth :)

[AndreaU]

Well, the verdict is in: I really liked this, DH liked it but it wasn't filling enough on its own (true, but I wasn't really hungry- he was!).

Having never had Panzanella, I must say this was tasty. I halved the recipe except for the dressing- the red wine vinegar, garlic & olive oil gave the salad a mellow, yet tasty flavor. The bread soaked up just enough of the dressing to remain a bit crisp on the inside.

I would make this again, but probably on a really hot sticky day when we need something light and don't feel like cooking a big meal.

We'll see how it stacks up to the real deal in a few weeks!