This is my twist on an Italian bread salad — a great way to use up that stale loaf. Traditionally the bread would be added fresh and left to soak up all of the juices, but I find this far too soggy for my liking. Instead, I prefer to toast the bread into croutons and add them at the last minute to deliver some crunch.
Extracted with permission by My Underground Deli by Jess Daniell.
1 stale baguette, ripped into small chunks
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 preserved lemon
500g mixed heirloom tomatoes, roughly chopped into different shapes
250g strawberries, hulled & halved
¼ watermelon, peeled and roughly chopped
1 red onion, finely diced
Small handful basil leaves, chopped
Small handful parsley leaves
Salt & pepper
Dressing
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp sugar
4 Tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper
Dairy-free. Makes 4 serves, takes 20 minutes
Preheat your oven to 180°C.
Toss baguette, olive oil and garlic together on a baking tray, and season with salt and pepper. Spread into an even layer and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove and allow to cool slightly.
Remove the flesh from preserved lemon and discard. Finely slice the rind into thin ribbons.
To make the dressing, combine all the dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Add the remaining ingredients to a large bowl and drizzle over the dressing, tossing gently to coat. Add the crispy croutons just before serving, allowing them to soak up some of the tomato juices and dressing.
JUK Christmas feast
A Kiwi Christmas is all about family, friends and relaxing – not slaving away over a hot stove all day. Jess and her team are here to take the stress out of the holiday season with a JUK Christmas feast – a hamper bursting with fresh, delicious proteins and tasty sides to feed a hungry Christmas crew.
There is more choice than ever this year, with hampers for 4 people or 8-10 people, the options to choose from six delicious mains and four festive sides. With sauces, marinades and dressings all ready-made, and all dishes naturally gluten-free (don’t tell Uncle Steve), all you need to do on Christmas Day is follow the simple instructions to cook some veggies, throw together a seasonal salad and nish the proteins your way – straight on the barbie or in the oven.
With free delivery in Auckland on the weekend before Christmas, or the option to pick up from either of the JUK delis, there is no easier way to relax into the new year.
Hampers (from $229) are available for pre-order until sold out, visit www.juk.co.nz/products/christmas-hamper
