Crispy Capers Salad (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Base for Panzanella
01 -
Small focaccia chunks, about 200g each, 2 inches wide, ½-inch thick
02 -
2 pounds (900g) heirloom tomatoes, chopped into 2-inch pieces, ½-inch thick
03 -
Capers, dried with paper towels, ½ cup
04 -
Olive oil, 3 tablespoons
→ Dressing with Fresh Herbs
05 -
Vegan butter, 3 tablespoons
06 -
A large shallot, thinly sliced
07 -
3 garlic cloves, minced
08 -
Some chili flakes, 1 teaspoon, depending on heat preference
09 -
Oregano leaves, 1 tablespoon, fresh
10 -
Thyme leaves, fresh, 1 tablespoon
11 -
Red or sherry vinegar, 1 tablespoon
12 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to suit your taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Warm up 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large frying pan at medium heat. Toss in the capers and stir every now and then for 6-8 minutes until they're beautifully crispy. Try one to be sure, then pull them out and keep for topping.
02 -
Using the pan with leftover oil from the capers, fry the bread chunks on both sides until golden—usually about 3 minutes per side. Add extra oil if needed. They should have a crunchy surface but still be soft inside. Slide them all into a big bowl.
03 -
In another small pan, melt your butter over medium heat. Toss in the garlic, shallots, thyme, oregano, chili flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Give it a couple of minutes—just until the herbs crisp lightly and the garlic becomes soft. Remove from the stove and let it sit.
04 -
Toss your tomato chunks into the bowl with the bread. Splash the red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon) over the mix. Drizzle the warm herby dressing all over, ensuring nothing gets left behind. Mix everything gently a second time.
05 -
Right before everyone digs in, scatter those crispy capers across the top and sprinkle on some flaky salt to your liking. Serve warm straight away.
# Notes:
01 -
Enjoy this dish immediately to keep the bread's perfect crisp-to-soft ratio.
02 -
Want a milder kick? Simply cut back on the chili flakes.
03 -
Crisp bread, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy capers ensure a perfect mix of textures.