Tomato and Bread Soup (Pappa al Pomodoro)
Tomato and Bread Soup is a traditional Tuscan first course made with stale bread, peeled tomatoes, garlic, basil, and extra virgin olive oil.
Tomato and Bread Soup is a testament to the simplicity that creates perfection: basic, seasonal ingredients combined in a balance of flavors and textures. It's a dish that doesn't require complications but satisfies the palate with the freshness of the tomato and the depth of the olive oil, ingredients that Ago cherishes as pillars of Italian cuisine. Prepare this soup and you'll discover how a traditional first course can be both comforting and full of aromas, perfect for those who love cooking with heart and mind.
Instructions
- 1
To prepare the tomato and bread soup, heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Peel the garlic and slice it thinly (if you don't like it, you can use it whole and remove it later). Sauté the garlic for a moment, then add the tomato puree and a little salt. Cook gently for about 30 minutes.
- 2
Meanwhile, cut the bread into slices and divide each slice in half. When the sauce is ready, dilute it with a little water (the amount of water may vary depending on the type of bread used).
- 3
Mix everything together and add the bread slices, breaking them into smaller pieces if necessary, so that they all fit in the pot. Gently press down on the bread with a spoon.
- 4
Cover with a lid and let it rest for about 15 minutes. After this time, the bread will be well soaked and infused with the sauce. Add more water if needed and mix well. Return to the heat and cook gently for another 5 minutes or until the desired consistency is reached: the bread slices should fall apart completely and create a "soup".
- 5
Turn off the heat and season with salt, then add a generous drizzle of olive oil and a few basil leaves.
- 6
Mix well and serve hot, warm or cold, garnishing the dish with an extra drizzle of olive oil and basil leaves!
Ago's Notes
- Adjust the salt according to the salt content of the canned tomatoes.
Let the ingredients blend in harmony and enjoy each bite as a small celebration of goodness and warmth that only an authentic recipe can provide. This simple yet flavorful soup truly captures the essence of Italian culinary tradition, offering a comforting bowl that warms both body and soul.
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