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  • Panzanella Tomato Toast with Crispy Capers and Basil Leaves
    • prep: 10 minutes
    • cook: 10 minutes
    • servings: 6
    Nutritional Info

    Summary

    This juicy, crunchy salad-on-toast gets even more texture (and flavor) thanks to quickly fried capers and basil.

    Ingredients

    1/2 cup olive oil

    1/4 cup drained, dried capers

    Kosher salt

    15 washed, well-dried fresh basil leaves

    1/2 large English hothouse cucumber, quartered, sliced 1/4" thick

    1 pound heirloom tomatoes, chopped (about 3 cups)

    1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

    2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

    Freshly ground black pepper

    6 slices sesame-seeded Italian bread or country bread, toasted

    2 garlic cloves, halved

    Instructions

    Preparation Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high. Add capers and fry, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer capers to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and season with salt. Fry basil in batches in same skillet until crisp, about 30 seconds. Transfer to paper-towel lined plate and season with salt. Let oil in pan cool slightly. Toss cucumber, tomatoes, onion, vinegar, fried capers, and 1/4 cup warm caper-basil oil in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Vigorously rub one side of hot toasts with garlic, then top with tomato mixture. Top with fried basil leaves and serve warm.