Mushroom Panzanella - cooking recipe

Ingredients

CROUTONS
1 lb loaf crusty Italian bread, sliced in 3/4-inch pieces crusts removed
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon finely minced fresh thyme
1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
salt
freshly ground coarse black pepper
ROASTED ONION PUREE
kosher salt
3 whole onions, peeled
1 cup low sodium chicken broth or 1 cup water
MUSHROOMS
1/4 cup olive oil
1 lb mushroom, cleaned and thickly sliced
TO ASSEMBLE
6 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, plus more for drizzling
1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnishing
1 tablespoon finely mince fresh thyme
2 ounces Baby Spinach or 2 ounces baby arugula
1/4 red onion, very thinly sliced
3/4 cup celery heart (sliced thinly on the diagonal, plus some more of the chopped leaves)
salt

Preparation

CROUTONS:
Preheat oven to 300\u00b0F.
Place the bread cubes in large bowl.
In a large skillet, heat oil and butter over moderate heat.
Add the garlic and saute 1 minute, then add thyme.
Pour over breadcrumbs and stir immediately.
Add 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and toss well.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Spread on baking sheet, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and place in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until light brown.
Return them to the large bowl and set aside.
ROASTED ONION PUREE:
Preheat oven to 450\u00b0F.
Layer 1/2\" of kosher salt in a shallow baking pan.
Place the onions in the pan and roast, turning occasionally, until golden brown and tender, about 15-18 minutes.
Place the roasted onions and the broth into a blender and puree; set aside.
MUSHROOMS:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil.
Add the mushrooms and saute until fully cooked and well browned.
TO ASSEMBLE:
Add the mushrooms and roasted onion puree to the croutons, and toss well to coat.
Add the oil, vinegar, Parmesan and thyme.
Mix well.
Arrange the spinach or arugula, onions and celery on serving platter.
Drizzle with red wine vinegar and oil.
season with salt and pepper to taste.
Top with crouton mixture, and garnish with additional Parmesan, as desired.