Sweet Panzanella

Sweet panzanella is not a traditional Italian dish and it does not fall within the classic recipes I know. However, I can imagine that a sweet version of panzanella could be an innovative and interesting dessert. Therefore, we could together create an experimental recipe inspired by the traditional Tuscan panzanella, but with a sweet twist. Here’s a proposed recipe:

Ingredients

• 200 g of stale bread, preferably rustic or homemade style
• 300 g of fresh fruit salad (such as strawberries, peaches, apricots)
• Sugar to taste
• Juice of 1 orange
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh mint to taste
• Ricotta or Greek yogurt to serve
• Honey to taste (optional)

Preparation

1. Cut the bread into cubes and place it in a bowl.
2. In another bowl, mix the chopped fruit with a little sugar, to your taste.
3. Squeeze the juice of the orange and lemon and pour it over the bread cubes, mixing well so that the bread absorbs the juices.
4. Let it rest for about 10 minutes, so that the bread softens and becomes flavorful.
5. Add the fruit salad over the bread and mix gently.
6. Wash and chop the fresh mint, then add it to the dessert.
7. Put the sweet panzanella in the fridge for at least one hour before serving, so that the flavors can meld together.
8. When serving, add a spoonful of ricotta or Greek yogurt and, if desired, a drizzle of honey.

Curiosity

Panzanella is an ancient Tuscan recipe that originated as a peasant dish, used to recover stale bread. The traditional version is a rustic salad that includes bread, tomatoes, onion, basil, olive oil, vinegar, and salt. Our sweet version reinvents the concept, turning it into a refreshing summer dessert.