Panzanella

The 16th-century artist and poet Bronzino sings the praises of onions with oil and vinegar served with toast and, a page later, speaks of a salad of onions, purslane, and cucumbers. This is often interpreted as a description of panzanella. The name is believed to be a portmanteau of "pane", Italian for 'bread', and "zanella", a deep plate in which it is served. == Ingredients ==

Panzanella was based on onions, not tomatoes, until the 20th century. Modern panzanella is generally made of stale bread soaked in water and squeezed dry, red onions, tomatoes, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Cucumbers and basil are often added. Optional ingredients include lettuce, olives, mozzarella, white wine, capers, anchovies, celery, carrots, red wine, tuna, parsley, boiled egg, Mentha mint, bell peppers, lemon juice, and garlic. These ingredients are sometimes used, but Florentine traditionalists disapprove. == See also ==