HEIRLOOM TOMATO PANZANELLA WITH FRESH OREGANO

INGREDIENTS

1 pound (450 g) heirloom tomatoes, cored and sliced into wedges

¼ red onion, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons (30 mL) sherry vinegar

1 tablespoon (15 mL) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

6 thick slices whole-grain bread or ciabatta bread

½ garlic clove

½ cup (125 mL) fresh basil, torn

½ cup (125 mL) fresh oregano

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes and the red onion slices with the sherry vinegar, olive oil, and pinches of salt and pepper.

Heat a grill or grill pan to medium heat. Drizzle the bread slices with olive oil and place on the hot grill. Cook 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until grill marks form. Remove from the heat and rub the warm grilled bread with the cut side of the garlic clove. Slice the bread into 1-inch (2.5-cm) cubes.

Place the bread cubes in the bowl with the tomatoes and onion. Add the basil, oregano, and a few pinches of salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, if desired. Let sit 10 minutes before serving.

SERVES: 4

VEGAN

I typically use only basil in my panzanella, but one day my herb garden was overflowing with oregano, and I loved this unexpected (accidental) twist. Feel free to experiment with any soft leafy herbs you might have.