TUSCAN PANZANELLA

Tuscan Panzanella image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Number Of Ingredients 9

9 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 pound crusty Italian country bread, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
3 garlic cloves, 1 halved and 2 minced
1 pound cherry tomatoes (3 cups), halved
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
1 cup bocconcini (mini mozzarella balls), halved
10 to 15 basil leaves, thinly sliced, plus whole leaves for garnish
2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Steps:

Preheat grill to medium-high. (Alternatively, heat a grill pan over mediumhigh heat until hot.) Using 3 tablespoons of oil, brush bread slices on both sides.
Grill bread slices, turning once, until toasted on both sides, about 5 minutes total. Rub both sides with halved garlic. Tear into bite-size pieces.
Toss bread, tomatoes, onion, bocconcini, and sliced basil in a serving bowl.
Whisk together vinegar and minced garlic in a small bowl. Whisking constantly, pour in remaining 6 tablespoons oil in a slow, steady stream, and whisk until emulsified. Pour over salad. Season with salt and pepper. Let stand at room temperature, tossing occasionally, 1 hour. Garnish with whole basil leaves.