Tuscan Tomato Bread Soup (Pappa al Pomodoro)
Pappa al Pomodoro is a heartwarming Tuscan soup that celebrates the simple yet robust flavors of ripe tomatoes and rustic stale bread. This dish transforms humble ingredients into a comforting, thick soup that’s both satisfying and economical. Originating from the Italian countryside, this soup is an excellent way to use leftover bread, turning it into a rich, flavorful meal that warms the soul, especially on cooler days. With its vibrant tomato base, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil, this dish not only delivers on taste but also on the essence of Italian home cooking. You can make this recipe vegetarian-friendly by opting for vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, Pappa al Pomodoro deserves a spot in every kitchen repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic
6 cloves (minced)
Onion
1 large (peeled and thinly sliced)
Olive oil
1/4 cup (for sautéing)
Red chili pepper
1/2 teaspoon (crushed)
Plum tomatoes
1 (1 3/4 lb) can (crushed)
Stale bread
1 lb (torn into small pieces)
Broth
6 cups (of your choice)
Basil
1 cup (packed and shredded)
Parmesan cheese
to taste (grated for serving)
Extra virgin olive oil
to taste (for drizzling before serving)
Instructions
1
1. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion, sautéing until the garlic is lightly browned and the onion becomes translucent and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
2
2. Stir in the red chili pepper, and cook for an additional minute to release its flavors.
3
3. Add the can of plum tomatoes, crushing them with the back of a wooden spoon as you mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in half of the shredded basil leaves, allowing them to infuse into the tomato mixture.
4
4. Simmer the tomato mixture for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens.
5
5. Tear the stale bread into small pieces and add it directly to the pot, mixing until well combined. The bread will absorb the sauce and create a thick consistency.
6
6. Gradually add the broth, stirring to reach your desired soup consistency – it should be thick but not overly dry. Continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes, until the bread dissolves into a creamy texture, creating what is known as 'pappa.'
7
7. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining basil. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
8
8. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added richness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pappa al Pomodoro?
Pappa al Pomodoro is a heartwarming Tuscan soup that celebrates the simple yet robust flavors of ripe tomatoes and rustic stale bread.
Where did Pappa al Pomodoro originate?
This dish originates from the Italian countryside.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian-friendly by opting for vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth.
What type of bread is best for this soup?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of stale bread torn into small pieces, which absorbs the sauce and creates a thick consistency.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe recommends using one 1 3/4 lb can of plum tomatoes.
How many cloves of garlic are needed?
The recipe requires 6 cloves of minced garlic.
How much broth is required?
You will need 6 cups of your choice of broth.
What does the term 'pappa' mean in this context?
'Pappa' refers to the creamy texture created when the bread dissolves into the tomato mixture.
How long should I sauté the garlic and onion?
You should sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until the garlic is lightly browned and the onion is translucent and golden.
Is this soup spicy?
The soup has a mild kick from 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red chili pepper.
When do I add the basil?
Add half of the shredded basil while simmering the tomatoes and the remaining half after removing the soup from heat.
How long do the tomatoes need to simmer initially?
The tomato mixture should simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens.
What is the total cooking time after adding the bread and broth?
After adding the bread and broth, continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes until the bread reaches a creamy texture.
What garnishes are recommended for serving?
Serve the soup hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
What type of pot should be used for this recipe?
A large, heavy-bottomed pot is recommended for heating the oil and cooking the soup.
How should I prepare the onion?
The onion should be peeled and thinly sliced.
Is Pappa al Pomodoro considered an economical meal?
Yes, it is described as an economical way to use leftover bread and humble ingredients to create a satisfying meal.
How much olive oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of olive oil for the initial sautéing step.
Should the tomatoes be crushed?
Yes, you should crush the plum tomatoes with the back of a wooden spoon as you mix them into the pot.
Can I adjust the soup's consistency?
Yes, gradually add the broth and stir until you reach your desired consistency; it should be thick but not overly dry.
What are the main flavor profiles of this soup?
The flavor profile is defined by vibrant tomatoes, aromatic garlic, fresh basil, and a hint of heat from red chili pepper.
How much basil is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of packed and shredded basil.
Is this soup appropriate for a family dinner?
Yes, it is noted as being perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
What should I do if the soup is too dry?
You can add more broth gradually until the desired thick but moist consistency is achieved.
Does the recipe suggest using extra virgin olive oil?
Yes, extra virgin olive oil is recommended for drizzling over the soup before serving for added richness.
Is the bread added before or after the broth?
The torn bread is added directly to the tomato mixture before the broth is gradually stirred in.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients listed for this soup.
What should I do if the seasoning isn't right?
You should adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste at the end of the cooking process.
Is this recipe good for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a comforting meal that warms the soul, especially on cooler days.
What is the preparation method for the garlic?
The garlic should be minced before being added to the pot.