Here are three easy, summery sides using two Summer Basic Recipes. The perfect combination of summer tomatoes, fresh basil and garlic make a winning Simple Tomato Salad. Add crisp Simple Croutons and you’ve built a dish for an al-fresco dinner, impromptu summer meal with friends or a savory brunch side.
Panzanella
Combine Simple Tomato Salad and Simple Croutons in a large bowl. Taste for seasoning and adjust how you see fit, adding more extra virgin olive oil if necessary. Garnish with additional basil leaves and serve immediately.
Scalloped Tomatoes
Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine Simple Tomato Salad and Simple Croutons in a large bowl. Pour mixture into a buttered 3-quart gratin or shallow baking dish. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until tomatoes are bubbly and croutons are golden brown. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
Pappa al Pomodoro
Heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over high heat. Add a double batch of Simple Tomato Salad and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, partially covered, for 30 minutes, occasionally stirring the tomatoes until they have broken down. Add Simple Croutons, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 5 minutes, mashing the bread with a wooden spoon. Taste for seasoning and adjust how you see fit. Serve hot in shallow bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh basil leaves.
More recipes from our Summer Crate