Pappa al pomodoro (tomato soup with bread)

Recipe for Pappa al Pomodoro: Tomato Soup with Bread

Tomato soup with bread, known as Pappa al Pomodoro, is a traditional recipe that brings a touch of sunshine and warmth to every bowl. This rustic soup is a perfect choice for cool days, offering not only exquisite flavor but also an excellent way to use ripe, flavorful tomatoes. Next, I will guide you step by step in preparing this delicious soup, providing you with useful tips and information about the ingredients used, so you can achieve a perfect result every time.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 700 g meaty tomatoes (preferably well-ripened tomatoes)
- 1 medium onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 100 g stale bread
- 4-5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup of water (about 250 ml)
- Croutons and grated cheese, for serving

Preparing the Tomatoes

The first step in creating a flavorful soup is preparing the tomatoes. This is an essential step, as the tomatoes are the main ingredient, and their quality will influence the final taste of the soup.

1. Cleaning the Tomatoes: Start by making a cross-shaped cut at the base of each tomato. This will help you peel them more easily after boiling.

2. Boiling the Tomatoes: Place the tomatoes in a pot of boiling water and let them boil for 2-3 minutes. When the skin starts to peel away, they are ready.

3. Cooling the Tomatoes: Immediately transfer the tomatoes to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. This is a simple but effective trick to keep the texture of the tomato flesh intact.

4. Cutting the Tomatoes: Once cooled, peel the tomatoes and chop them into cubes. These pieces will add a pleasant texture to the soup.

Preparing the Soup

After preparing the tomatoes, it's time to make the soup base.

1. Sautéing the Onion: In a pot, add 4-5 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over low heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes golden and soft, about 5-7 minutes. This technique will bring out the sweetness of the onion.

2. Adding the Garlic: Once the onion is ready, add the minced garlic cloves. Cook for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn them, as garlic can become bitter if overcooked.

3. Including the Tomatoes: Add the tomato cubes to the pot. Stir well and let them simmer for 10 minutes, allowing a flavorful base to form.

4. Adding the Water and Seasonings: Pour a cup of water into the pot and add the basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

Blending the Soup

To achieve a smooth and creamy texture, follow these steps:

1. Using a Blender: Take an immersion blender and blend the soup until you achieve a uniform consistency. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender, but make sure it is cool to avoid accidents.

2. Adding the Toasted Bread: Cut the stale bread into cubes and lightly toast them until crispy. Then add these croutons to the soup and let it simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb some of the soup's juice.

Serving

Now that the soup is ready, it's time to serve it. Here are some suggestions:

1. Garnish: Serve the soup in deep bowls, garnishing with crispy croutons and grated cheese on top. You can also add a few fresh basil leaves for a nice appearance and extra flavor.

2. Accompaniment: This soup pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt and pepper. A simple green salad would also complement the meal.

Tips and Tricks

- Tomatoes: Choose ripe and meaty tomatoes, as they will give the soup a rich flavor. San Marzano or heirloom tomatoes are excellent for this recipe.
- Bread: Rustic or ciabatta bread is ideal for making delicious croutons. If you don't have stale bread, let it dry for a few hours on a wooden board before toasting.
- Variations: You can add vegetables like carrots or celery for extra nutrients. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as thyme or parsley.
- Nutrition: This soup is rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C from tomatoes, and contains antioxidants that are beneficial for health. A bowl of Pappa al Pomodoro has about 200 calories, depending on the amount of oil and bread used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned tomatoes? Yes, but make sure to choose high-quality tomatoes without additives or preservatives.
2. How can I store the soup? Keep the soup in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove.
3. Can I make the soup vegan? Yes, simply omit the cheese when serving and use vegan bread.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to start cooking! Pappa al Pomodoro is a simple yet flavorful recipe that will surely impress family and friends. Enjoy the Mediterranean flavors and the warmth of this comforting dish!