An Italian salad of bread and tomatoes, sharpened with capers and basil, makes unusual and delicious use of stale bread.
ingredients
serves 4
1/2 pound stale whole wheat or white bread, with crusts cut off
4 tablespoons water
4 large ripe tomatoes, skinned, de-seeded and diced
1 small cucumber, peeled and sliced
1 stick celery, trimmed and chopped
1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped
1 level teaspoon capers, rinsed and drained
1 large sprig fresh basil leaves, finely shredded
Freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice or wine vinegar
1 level tablespoon chopped celery leaves
method
1. Cut the bread into thick slices and spread them in a wide dish. Sprinkle with the water and leave to stand for 5 - 10 minutes.
2. Tear the bread into small pieces. Mix in the tomatoes, cucumber, celery, onion, capers and basil. Season with pepper and pour on the oil. Cover and put in the refrigerator for 2 - 3 hours for the bread to absorb the dressing.
3. Sprinkle the lemon juice or vinegar over the salad and spoon into a serving dish. Stir in the celery leaves just before serving.
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more information
After tearing up the moist bread, toss it with a fork to increase the volume as much as possible.
