ROASTED CARROT AND AVOCADO PANZANELLA

Roasted Carrot and Avocado Panzanella image

Provided by Justin Chapple

Time 1h15m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

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1 pound sourdough bread, cut or torn into bite-size pieces
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds small mixed-color carrots, halved lengthwise
1 tablespoon coriander seeds, crushed
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
1 orange, cut into wedges
1 lemon, halved
1/3 cup champagne vinegar
1 shallot, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
4 ripe but firm Hass avocados, pitted, peeled, and cut into wedges
4 cups watercress, thick stems removed

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss the bread with 1/4 cup of the olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Spread in an even layer and bake for about 12 minutes, until golden and almost crisp. Transfer to a bowl and let cool. Keep the oven on.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss the carrots, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, and the coriander and cumin seeds. Squeeze the orange and lemon over the carrots, then add the squeezed fruit to the bowl, too. Season generously with salt and pepper and toss to mix. Spread on two large rimmed baking sheets and roast for about 25 minutes, until lightly charred and tender. Let cool; discard the orange and lemon.
In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, shallot, mustard, and the remaining 6 tablespoons olive oil. Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper.
On a large serving platter or in a serving bowl, gently toss the bread, carrots, and avocados with the vinaigrette. Add the watercress, season with salt and pepper, and toss to mix. Serve at room temperature.