Grilled Panzanella
Grilled Panzanell It can be enjoyed any time, but it is especially good for The Fourth Of July. It works well as a budget friendly side dish.
Instructions
Purée 3/4 cup basil leaves and 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons oil in a blender until smooth and only tiny flecks of basil remain. Set a fine-mesh strainer over a large bowl. Strain mixture into bowl, pressing on solids to extract as much oil as possible; discard solids in strainer.
Add shallot, chile, lemon zest, and lemon juice to basil oil; whisk to blend. Season to taste with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Dressing can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Return to room temperature and rewhisk before using.
Slice tomatoes into assorted wedges, rounds, and cubes; add to bowl with dressing. Toss to coat; let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, build a medium-hot fire in a charcoal grill, or preheat a gas grill to high.
Brush bread with remaining 1/3 cup olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Grill bread until charred in spots, about 2 minutes per side. Rub grilled bread with cut sides of garlic clove. Tear bread into 1"–2" pieces.
Add bread and remaining 3/4 cup basil leaves to bowl with tomato mixture; toss to coat. Season panzanella to taste with salt and pepper and serve.