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Serves six.
ingredients
6 slices, 1/2 inch thick, ciabatta or other squat, chewy bread
2 Tbs. plus 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
30 basil leaves
1 small strip lemon zest, about 2 inches long, white pith removed
4 cups small cherry tomatoes (or other bite-size tomatoes, such as pear or grape) in assorted colors, halved
1 lb. small fresh mozzarella balls (about 1 inch in diameter)
1/4 tsp. crushed red chile flakes
Freshly ground black pepper
how to make
Heat the oven to 400°F. Tear the bread into 1-inch pieces, pile them on a rimmed baking sheet, and drizzle with 2 Tbs. of the oil. Sprinkle with salt, toss, spread in a single layer, and bake, turning occasionally, until the bread cubes are golden and crunchy, 8 to 12 min. Set aside to cool.
Bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Add the basil leaves and lemon zest and blanch for 5 seconds. Drain. Transfer the basil and zest to a blender and pulse a few times to chop the leaves. With the blender running, slowly add the remaining 1/3 cup oil through the lid’s fill hole and process for 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the blender and continue to purée until smooth, 30 to 60 seconds.
In a large bowl, toss together the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and bread cubes. Let sit, tossing occasionally, for 20 min. Sprinkle with the chile flakes; season with salt and pepper to taste.
From Fine Cooking 59, pp. 38
August 1, 2003
photo: Scott Phillips
