Italian Tomato and Bread Soup (Pappa Al Pomodoro)

 Italian Tomato and Bread Soup (Pappa al Pomodoro) is a rustic and flavorful soup that uses ripe tomatoes, stale bread, and a few simple ingredients to create a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s a classic Italian dish that’s both hearty and light at the same time. Here’s a recipe to make this delicious soup:

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes (or 6-7 fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped)

4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

1 teaspoon dried basil (or 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped)

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

4 cups stale bread (preferably a rustic, country-style bread), torn into chunks

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the aromatics:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

2. Add the tomatoes and broth:

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the broth. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.

Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.

3. Add the bread:

Add the torn bread chunks to the pot. Stir well and let the bread soak into the broth for about 10 minutes. The bread will break down and thicken the soup.

4. Blend (optional):

For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it's creamy. Alternatively, you can leave it chunky for a more rustic texture.

5. Finish the soup:

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. If the soup is too thick, you can add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

6. Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pappa al Pomodoro is a rich, comforting soup that’s perfect for using up stale bread while enjoying the fresh flavors of tomatoes and b

asil. It’s simple, rustic, and full of authentic Italian flavor!