Recipe: Grilled Bread Salad

GRILLED BREAD SALAD

1 small baguette (8 oz) or other crusty bread, cut lengthwise into quarters
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp diced scallion
1/4 tsp minced garlic, optional
1 1/2 lb tomatoes, chopped
salt and pepper
1/4 cup roughly chopped basil or parsley (to serve)

Preheat broiler, rack should be 4-6 inches from heat source.

Broil bread, watching carefully and turning as each side browns and chars slightly.

While bread cools, mix together next five ingredients in a large bowl. Mash tomatoes with back of a fork to release all their juices. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cut bread into 1/2 to 1 inch cubes and toss it with dressing. Let bread sit for 20-30 minutes tossing occasionally. Salad is ready when bread is fairly soft, but some edges remain crisp.

When ready, stir in herbs and serve.

Servings: 4
Source: The Minimalist Cooks at Home by Mark Bittman