Bison and Bread Salad
From the Kitchen of Enjoy cooking with Phil
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 1/2 loaf crusty Italian bread cut into 1 inch cubes
- 6 sun dried tomato halves
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) olive oil (use leftover oil from tomatoes if you have any)
- 2 small zucchini, diced 1/2" cubes
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) purple onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) fresh basil, chopped
- 1/3 cup (75 mL) cilantro leaves, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 anchovy filets, chopped
- 3 Tbsp. (45 mL) balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) fete cheese, crumbled
- 4 cup (1 L) mixed salad greens
- Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Method
- Preheat oven to 400 F (205 C).
- Place bread onto a baking sheet and bake until toasted and golden, transfer to a large wooden bowl.
- In a large skillet heat one tablespoon of oil. Add the zucchini, basil and onions, sauté until the bouquet is released then transfer to bowl with bread and toss.
- In a food processor add the remaining oil, tomatoes, cilantro, garlic, anchovies and vinegar. Process until smooth then pour into the bowl over bread, vegetable mixture.
- Add the cheese then toss to coat.
- Leave standing at room temperature for 20 minutes to allow the flavours to blend.
- While the flavours are blending pan fry the meatballs, add to the bowl with salad greens, toss and serve.
Bison Meatballs Ingredients
- 12 oz (335 g) ground bison
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) fresh bread crumbs
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp (5 mL) fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tsp (5 mL) fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tsp (5 mL) Cajun spice
- 1 tsp (5 mL) Tabasco sauce
- Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
- 1 Tbsp. (15 mL) olive oil to sauté meatballs
Method
- In a glass bowl, combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly. Form into small sized meatballs.
- Heat a 10" heavy bottom-non-stick skillet to medium high. Add the oil to the pan and sauté the meatballs until browned and cooked through, turning frequently.
- Remove from pan. Drain any excess oil. Add to salad, toss and serve.