Ciao, friends!
Are you in the mood for something warm and comforting?
I’ve got a treat for you today: Italian tomato and bread soup, also known as pappa al pomodoro.
This dish is like a big hug in a bowl! It’s rich, flavorful, and super easy to whip up.
Perfect for cozy nights or when you want to impress someone with your cooking skills.
Get ready to dive into this deliciousness!
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30-40 minutes |
| Total Time | 40-55 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Ingredients
- 400 grams peeled tomatoes
- 5 slices stale bread (about 250 grams)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 200 ml vegetable stock
- Salt
- Pepper
- A bunch of basil
Step 1: Toast the Bread
Preheat the oven to 150°C (fan).
Place five slices of stale bread (about 250 grams) on a baking tray and toast them in the oven for 15 minutes.
Halfway through, after 7 minutes, turn the bread slices to ensure even toasting.
Once done, set the toasted bread aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Mixture
In a bowl, crush a 400-gram can of peeled tomatoes by hand, making sure to extract all the juice.
Set aside the crushed tomatoes.
In a medium-low heat pan, add 4 to 5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Add the quartered chopped onion and cook for about 10 minutes until it turns golden brown.
Next, add two crushed cloves of garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, ensuring the garlic does not burn.
Step 3: Cook the Sauce
Stir the crushed tomatoes into the pan with the onions and garlic, mixing well.
Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper, then stir again.
Add half of the vegetable stock (100 ml) to the pan, allowing the tomato mixture to bubble and cook for about 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, add the remaining vegetable stock (100 ml) to the pan and throw in a small amount of basil for added flavor.
Step 4: Incorporate the Toasted Bread
Break the toasted bread into small pieces by hand and add them to the pan with the tomato mixture.
Mix everything together thoroughly, allowing the bread to soak up the sauce for about 5 minutes.
If the mixture appears too dry, add a little extra virgin olive oil and mix well to adjust the consistency.
Step 5: Finalize and Serve
Use a whisk to mash the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serve the dish on a large plate, drizzling with extra virgin olive oil.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves to enhance the presentation and flavor.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting bread and tomato dish!
