Recipes, Guides, Lifestyles by GRATSI

Recipe preparation time
EAT

GIOVANNI'S KITCHEN

Crostini di Pane alla Pizzaiola: A Rustic Italian Snack

In the heart of Italian cooking lies the principle of simplicity — making something extraordinary out of ordinary ingredients. Crostini di Pane alla Pizzaiola is a perfect example of this philosophy. This dish combines day-old bread, a rich tomato passata, and pantry staples to create crispy, flavorful bites that transport you to an Italian kitchen.

By Giovanni Siracusa

 |  

December 02, 2024

Ingredients

  • 1

    loaf of Semolina Bread or Rustic Bread (fresh or day-old)

  • 340

    grams Tomato Passata

  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil

  • Sicilian Oregano

  • Sea Salt

  • Crushed Black Pepper

Instructions

TOTAL TIME

25 Minutes

4-6 servings

Traditionally, dishes like this were born out of the need to minimize waste. Italian families have long embraced the concept of "cucina povera". Stale bread, instead of being discarded, was often revived with tomato, olive oil, and herbs — the foundation of this recipe.

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STEP 1

Cut the bread into cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.

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STEP 2

Add the tomato passata to the bread cubes, ensuring they are lightly coated but not soggy. Adjust the amount based on the bread’s size and absorbency.

STEP 3

Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper.

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STEP 4

Spread the seasoned bread cubes onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until crispy.

Pair these with a glass of Gratsi Red for a harmonious balance of rustic flavors and good company. Buon appetito!

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