Mushroom Panzanella

• CROUTONS↗
• loaf crusty Italian bread, sliced in 3/4-inch pieces crusts removed↗1 lb
• unsalted butter↗6 tablespoons
• minced garlic3 tablespoons
• finely minced fresh thyme1 tablespoon
• finely grated parmesan cheese1⁄2 cup
• salt↗
• freshly ground coarse black pepper
• ROASTED ONION PUREE
• kosher salt↗
• whole onions, peeled↗3
• low sodium chicken broth or 1 cup water↗1 cup
• MUSHROOMS↗
• olive oil↗1⁄4 cup
• mushroom, cleaned and thickly sliced↗1 lb
• TO ASSEMBLE
• tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling↗6
• tablespoons red wine vinegar, plus more for drizzling↗3
• cup finely grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnishing1⁄2
• tablespoon finely mince fresh thyme1
• ounces Baby Spinach or 2 ounces baby arugula↗2
• red onion, very thinly sliced↗1⁄4
• cup celery heart (sliced thinly on the diagonal, plus some more of the chopped leaves)3⁄4
• salt↗

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 300ºF.

2. 2

   Place the bread cubes in large bowl.

3. 3

   In a large skillet, heat oil and butter over moderate heat.

4. 4

   Add the garlic and sauté 1 minute, then add thyme.

5. 5

   Pour over breadcrumbs and stir immediately.

6. 6

   Add 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and toss well.

7. 7

   Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

8. 8

   Spread on baking sheet, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and place in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until light brown.

9. 9

   Return them to the large bowl and set aside.

10. 10

    Preheat oven to 450ºF.

11. 11

    Layer 1/2" of kosher salt in a shallow baking pan.

12. 12

    Place the onions in the pan and roast, turning occasionally, until golden brown and tender, about 15-18 minutes.

13. 13

    Place the roasted onions and the broth into a blender and purée; set aside.

14. 14

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil.

15. 15

    Add the mushrooms and sauté until fully cooked and well browned.

16. 16

    Add the mushrooms and roasted onion purée to the croutons, and toss well to coat.

17. 17

    Add the oil, vinegar, Parmesan and thyme.

18. 18

    Mix well.

19. 19

    Arrange the spinach or arugula, onions and celery on serving platter.

20. 20

    Drizzle with red wine vinegar and oil.

21. 21

    season with salt and pepper to taste.

22. 22

    Top with crouton mixture, and garnish with additional Parmesan, as desired.