Simple Tomato and Bread salad

There are some days when its just me for lunch. Usually the little one is away the whole day at school and hubby anyways has lunch at work. Mostly I am in no mood for cooking on those days. I make something very simple for myself.
Last weekend was one such day. It was father and son`s day out. There were days when I happily went out shopping on such days or stayed at home and watched a movie. But ever since I started this blog…guess what..any `me` time equals to cooking, trying out recipes or just getting engrossed in the world of food photography.
The light was beautiful. It was a rare and much awaited sunny yet a tad chilly day and I just wanted to click some random photos while little miss P napped. I noticed a bunch of colourful cherry tomatoes in the fridge. Ah..such beauties. So one thing led to another and I ended up making this simple salad for lunch.







This salad is almost like panzella..but simpler than that. You could also add onions, or cheese like feta or mozzarella. Herbs like parsley, basil, mint all work fine here. I have used dried italian herbs. You could also use fresh ones. Its a great way to use up old bread too.

Simple Tomato and Bread salad

Yield – 2 to 3 servings

Things you need

About 2 handfuls of cherry tomatoes, halved
2-3 sliced of bread
3 tbsp olive oil
1-2 tsp of dried italian herbs. Use fresh herbs if you like. Basil, Parsley all work well.
1-2 cloves of garlic, crushed and minced very fine.
1 tsp lemon juice
coriander, for garnish
salt as per taste
a pinch of fine sugar
half tsp pepper, ground
spring onions chopped, a handful, optional

How I made it -

1. Whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, herbs, garlic, a pinch of salt in a  bowl.
2. Tear or cut the bread into cubes and toss them in the olive oil mixture.
3. Toast the bread crumbs or pieces in the oven preheated to 180 degrees for about 5-10 mins until they turn slightly brown and crisp. Alternately, toast them on a frying pan on low to medium heat until they are slightly brown and crisp. Drain excess oil with a paper towel.
3. Toss the bread pieces or crumbs with the tomatoes, pepper, salt, sugar, remaining olive oil and a dash of lemon juice.
5. Garnish with coriander and spring onions and cheese if using.

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