It is the height of tomato season and I just cannot get enough of their bright red deliciousness. I will sometimes buy a couple of pounds from one vendor at the farmers market, then see more at another stall and buy them, too. Yes, I have even bought from three different vendors in a single day. I think I may have a problem.
There are so many ways to use fresh tomatoes. I love making my mother’s Tomato Soup — there is nothing like it with a simple grilled cheese sandwich. Then there is my Tomato Saffron Cream Sauce for pasta — it is “lick your plate” good. And if you are in a Côte d’Azur mood, there is always this Provençal Tarte aux Tomates.
Years ago, when in Tuscany during tomato season, we learned two of our favorite recipes involving tomatoes and stale bread. (Nothing gets wasted in an Italian kitchen.) First is Pappa al Pomodoro — a soup that is as comforting as it is delicious. We usually make it at the end of tomato season when the evenings cool off a bit, and a bowl of piping hot soup is welcome.
The other recipe we learned — Panzanella — is perfect for summer, and takes advantage of really juicy, ripe tomatoes. The ingredient list is short: tomatoes, cucumber, day-old or stale bread, basil, and a simple dressing. It is best to make this a little in advance to allow the flavors to meld. Then relax and enjoy it with a crisp white wine under a passion flower-covered pergola in Tuscany (even if only in your dreams).
~ David
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John / Kitchen Riffs
July 31, 2021 at 8:08 amHi, my name is John. I share your problem — I often buy multiple lots of tomatoes when I’m at a farmers market! It’s a good problem to have, though. This salad looks delightful. I don’t usually add bread to my tomato salads, but I really should do so more often — it does add a nice texture (and flavor!) dimension. Terrific recipe — thanks.
Cocoa & Lavender
August 1, 2021 at 3:51 pmI was at the farmers market this morning, John, and it was really hard to control myself when it came to peaches and tomatoes. Somethings will never change! I definitely think you need to try the salad with the bread… While I love plain tomato salads, this one is pretty spectacular!
Chef Mimi
July 31, 2021 at 8:42 amthis is the third panzanella I’ve come across today! But that makes sense because it’s ripe tomato season, finally. Your recipe looks wonderful. Personally, I think lots of red wine vinegar and basil leaves are a must.
Cocoa & Lavender
August 1, 2021 at 3:52 pmWell, Mimi, they do say that great minds (and feeble once, too, I suppose) think alike! I haven’t seen any other Panzanella recipes out there but we’re heading into August and I’m sure I’ll see some soon.
Diana
July 31, 2021 at 8:51 amA deconstructed gazpacho and a must try!
Cocoa & Lavender
August 1, 2021 at 3:52 pmI never thought of it that way, Diana! That’s brilliant. I hope you and Jeff get a chance to give it a try…
Jill Becker
July 31, 2021 at 9:24 amDelicious, one of our favorites.
Cocoa & Lavender
August 1, 2021 at 3:52 pmAnd ours! The more tomato salads the better, right?
Christina | Christina's Cucina
July 31, 2021 at 10:05 amSuch a fabulous use of stale bread, it’s practically genius!
🙂 I think I’ll make one today!
Cocoa & Lavender
August 1, 2021 at 3:53 pmThe Italians are brilliant when it comes to using stale bread! i’m so glad they are, Christina!
Marian Jensen
July 31, 2021 at 12:25 pmDelicious! A perfect summer salad.
Cocoa & Lavender
August 1, 2021 at 3:53 pmThanks, Marian. I hope you and Mark are doing well!
Valentina
July 31, 2021 at 2:12 pmWe went to Tuscany last month. (I know!) My cousin got married there, near Siena. I could go on and on (and on!), but for now I will just say that I had a Panzanella salad almost every time it was on the menu. I’ve always loved it, and it was the first time I’d had one in Italy. Your version looks very similar to those that I had. I even have some amazing olive oil I brought home that I can use for your recipe. Can’t wait. 🙂 ~Valentina
Cocoa & Lavender
August 1, 2021 at 3:55 pmWow! I’m impressed you were brave enough to traverse the Atlantic! I know you had a great time, Valentina, and I look forward to the time when I can get over, too! Isn’t Tuscan olive oil the best?
Eha
July 31, 2021 at 5:29 pmProbably my favourite tomato salad I prepare in a very similar manner . . . but this so tales my eye for the absolutely beautiful way you have served it – the food and thru plate belong together . . . !
Cocoa & Lavender
August 1, 2021 at 3:56 pmIt does make for a pretty nice visual image! Thanks for saying so, Eha. And, since the salad and the plate came from Tuscany, I do think they belong together.
sherry
August 1, 2021 at 2:55 ampanzanellas are clearly the go-to at the moment. i keep seeing recipes for them. obvs a great idea when tomatoes are in season. (but forgive me, i don’t like tomatoes!)
Cocoa & Lavender
August 1, 2021 at 3:57 pmWho knew, Sherry? Either that panzanellas were the go-to these days OR that you don’t like tomatoes!
Ron
August 1, 2021 at 7:01 amA beautifully presented and I’m sure wonderful tasting Panzanella. A late summer favorite on our table. We make it the same as yours except I sometimes like to use Spanish sherry wine instead of red wine vinegar. Well done David.
I say you can never have too much wine in the cellar or fresh tomatoes to create with.
Cocoa & Lavender
August 1, 2021 at 4:00 pmI have been in to use Sherry vinegar, as well, Ron. But right now we have an amazing red wine vinegar from the Piedmont that is just amazing… and I agree about the wine and tomatoes!
Fran @ G'day Souffle
August 2, 2021 at 7:26 amWhat a lovely Summer salad! Simplicity is the best!
David Scott Allen
August 4, 2021 at 7:55 amThere is nothing like it, Fran, when the tomatoes are ripe!
Pauline McNee
August 3, 2021 at 4:34 amThis salad looks so delicious and fresh, I couldn’t live without tomatoes and can’t wait until they are back in season and cheaper and nicer. I must add my sourdough bread to my salads more, thanks for the reminder. Great recipe,thanks
David Scott Allen
August 4, 2021 at 7:56 amI am with you, Pauline! I couldn’t live without fresh tomatoes… though, as a child, I really detest them. Luckily, my parents kept pushing my palate and things that I didn’t like as a child I now love as an adult!
Raymund
August 4, 2021 at 2:27 pmOne of my favourite salads, I usally include some roughly torn fresh mozzarella cheese and serve it with grilled fish. SO yummy
Cocoa & Lavender
August 7, 2021 at 4:16 pmLove the idea of adding mozzarella, Raymund!
2pots2cook
August 6, 2021 at 3:12 amWe got palm harts and the salad was absolutely heavenly good ! As about Panzanella, it’s our family evergreen !
Cocoa & Lavender
August 7, 2021 at 4:17 pmI am so glad you liked the hearts of palm salad, Davorka – it really has become a family favorite. And, well, who doesn’t love a perfect panzanella?
Karen (Back Road Journal)
August 15, 2021 at 10:55 amWe have to make the most of tomato season and your panzanella salad is perfect as it soaks up all the wonderful juices.
Cocoa & Lavender
August 15, 2021 at 1:40 pmI imagine the tomatoes in Florida are pretty wonderful, Karen. I hope you get a chance to make this!
John
August 28, 2021 at 3:27 pmA pergola covered in passion flowers, in Tuscany.
Stop it, David. You’re killing me. There’s no such thing as farmers’ markets here, right now. We’ve been in lockdown for over two months now, but at least we can still head to the grocers. I’ve been eating many tomatoes, lately, but always need to let them sit for a few days to fully ripen. And what a perfect way to use them, as you’ve done with this salad.
Recipe for Pappa al Pomodoro – Cocoa & Lavender
October 26, 2024 at 3:00 am[…] after a family visit, we had some leftover homemade bread. Loath to waste anything, Mark suggested Panzanella (bread and tomato salad) but I misunderstood, thinking he meant our favorite Tuscan bread and […]