Provençal Crunch Recipe
Background of Provençal Crunch
Provençal Crunch is a delightful dish that harmoniously combines flavors from the Provence region of France. Known for its aromatic herbs such as thyme and rosemary, Provençal cuisine is both simple and flavorful, often highlighting ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and olives. This dish, inspired by rustic Provençal heritage, offers a satisfying crunch through its unique preparation of toasty elements combined with fresh ingredients.
Ingredients Required
- Cherry Tomatoes - 2 cups, halved
- Black Olives - 1 cup, pitted and sliced
- Red Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
- Fresh Thyme - 2 teaspoons
- Fresh Rosemary - 1 teaspoon, chopped
- Olive Oil - 3 tablespoons
- Crusty Bread - 4 slices, preferably stale, cut into cubes
- Salt - To taste
- Black Pepper - To taste
- Parmesan Cheese - 1/2 cup, grated
- Mixed Greens - 3 cups
Step-by-Step Preparation
Prepping the Ingredients
Before beginning with the cooking process, ensure that you have all the ingredients ready and prepped. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the black olives, and finely chop the red onion. Mince the garlic, and chop the rosemary finely. Set everything aside for ease during cooking.
Making the Toasty Crunch
To create the toasty base that provides the crunch in this dish, start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the cubes of crusty bread on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly and place them in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crisp, stirring halfway through for even crunchiness.
Sautéeing the Aromatics
While your bread is toasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Follow with the chopped red onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Stir in the cherry tomatoes, black olives, and fresh thyme and rosemary. Allow this mixture to cook for about 5-8 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften but still hold their shape.
Combining the Elements
Once the sautéed ingredients are ready, take the toasted bread cubes from the oven. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes with the sautéed aromatic mixture. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the bread is well-coated with the rich Provençal flavors.
Final Assembly
Place a generous heap of mixed greens on each serving plate. Top with the Provençal bread mixture. Finish by sprinkling grated parmesan cheese over the top for an extra depth of flavor and creamy texture.
Cooking Time and Tips
The total preparation and cooking time for Provençal Crunch is approximately 30-40 minutes. Make sure to monitor your toasting bread closely to prevent burning, and adjust the seasoning as you go to suit your taste preferences.
Enjoying Your Provençal Crunch
This dish makes for a beautiful light lunch or starter. To fully enjoy the Provençal Crunch, serve it fresh as the bread is at its optimum crunchiness when fresh out of the oven. Pair it with a glass of rosé to complement the southern French flavors beautifully. Alternatively, you can add a few slices of grilled chicken or fish to make this a heartier meal.