Ingredients for Pastrami and Rye Panzanella

• 80g very thinly sliced red onion

• 475g cubed light rye bread

• 1 garlic clove, peeled

• Fine sea salt

• 60ml extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

• 450g tomatoes, cored and cut into 1-inch chunks

• 2 medium pickling or Persian cucumbers or 1 large European cucumber

• 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced

• 3/4 cup basil leaves, large leaves torn

• 110g sliced pastrami, coarsely chopped

• 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves

Preheat the oven to 232°C with the rack in the middle. Put the onion in a bowl and cover with 240 to 475ml cold water. Swish the water around and rub the slices with your hands. Strain and repeat the process two or three times, letting the slices soak and changing the water at 10-minute intervals. (Soaking raw onion in cold water mellows the harsh bite.)

Meanwhile, spread out the bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake until the edges are crispy and golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool completely.

On a cutting board, finely chop the garlic with 1/4 teaspoons salt. Using both the blade and the flat side of a chef's knife, chop and scrape the mixture into a paste. Put the oil and vinegar into a bowl, add the garlic paste and whisk to combine.

In a large bowl, combine the cooled bread, tomatoes and 1/4 teaspoons salt. Toss to combine, gently pressing the tomatoes a bit to release some of the juices.

Peel the cucumbers in a zebra pattern and cut on a diagonal into half moons. Drain and pat dry the onions. Add the onions, cucumber, celery, basil leaves, pastrami and parsley leaves to the salad. Whisk together the dressing, add it to the salad and gently toss to combine.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.