Tomato and Bread Soup

Tomato and Bread Soup Recipe from Italy - Ingredients: Italian Bread, Plum Tomatoes, Gorgonzola and More

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tomato and Bread Soup is a classic Italian dish that combines the flavors of ripe tomatoes, crusty bread, and aromatic herbs. This hearty soup is perfect for a cozy night in or a comforting meal on a chilly day.

History

This recipe has its origins in the Italian countryside, where frugal cooks would use up stale bread and ripe tomatoes to create a delicious and filling meal. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of ingredients such as onions, garlic, and peppers, adding depth and complexity to the dish.

Ingredients

5 slices of italian bread, with crusts removed and cut into 1 (0.5" thick slices)
4 tbsp of olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
0.5 cup of diced onions
5 cloves of garlic, crushed and coarsely chopped
0.25 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes
4 pepperoncini peppers, chopped
16 plum tomatoes, skinned, seeded, and cut into 0.5 (about 4 cups)
4 cups of beef stock or beef broth
12 leaves of fresh basil, torn into 1 (leaves)
0.5 cup of crumbled gorgonzola (optional)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Place the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast them until the edges are lightly browned, about 8 – 10 minutes.
Heat the olive oil in a 5 qt (4.73 liter) pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
Add the garlic and crushed red pepper, and continue to cook, stirring, for an additional 5 minutes, or until the garlic becomes golden.
Add the pepperoncini, tomatoes, beef stock, and toasted bread, and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to a simmer, add the basil, and cook covered for 30 – 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls and drizzle with olive oil. Garnish with crumbled gorgonzola.

Variations

Add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef for a heartier soup.
Stir in a can of white beans for added protein and fiber.
Top the soup with freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of gorgonzola.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best results.

- Toasting the bread cubes before adding them to the soup adds a crunchy texture and rich flavor.

- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.

- For a creamier soup, blend a portion of the soup in a blender before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tomato and Bread Soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the soup slowly allows the flavors to meld together and develop a rich, savory taste.

- Stirring occasionally prevents the bread from sticking to the bottom of the pot and ensures even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of bread you have on hand, such as French or sourdough.

- Substitute vegetable broth for beef broth for a vegetarian version of the soup.

- Replace gorgonzola with feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Tomato and Bread Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each bowl of Tomato and Bread Soup with a sprig of fresh basil or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Tomato and Bread Soup with a glass of Chianti or Sangiovese wine for a classic Italian pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Tomato and Bread Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to thin out the soup if needed.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tomato and Bread Soup contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tomato and Bread Soup contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Tomato and Bread Soup contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Tomato and Bread Soup contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Tomato and Bread Soup is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as minerals such as potassium and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the bread and dairy from the gorgonzola cheese.

Summary

Tomato and Bread Soup is a nutritious and satisfying dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Tomato and Bread Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Tomato and Bread Soup. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Italy. I had always been fascinated by cooking, watching my mother and grandmother in the kitchen, learning their secrets and techniques.

One day, I was walking through the village market when I saw a group of women huddled together, talking and laughing. Curious, I edged closer and heard them discussing a new recipe they had tried – Tomato and Bread Soup. Intrigued, I listened intently as they shared the ingredients and method of preparation. It sounded simple yet delicious, a perfect comfort food for a chilly evening.

I was determined to learn how to make this soup. I approached the women and asked if they would be willing to teach me. They looked at each other, nodding and smiling, and one of them – a kind old lady named Nonna Maria – offered to show me how to make the soup.

We gathered the ingredients – ripe tomatoes, crusty bread, garlic, basil, and olive oil – and headed to her humble kitchen. Nonna Maria explained each step in detail, showing me how to peel and dice the tomatoes, mince the garlic, tear the bread into chunks, and sauté everything in a pot until the flavors melded together.

As the soup simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with the aroma of fresh tomatoes and herbs, Nonna Maria regaled me with stories of her own experiences in the kitchen. She had learned to cook from her grandmother, who had learned from her grandmother before her, passing down family recipes and traditions through the generations.

I listened with rapt attention, soaking up every word and savoring every bite of the delicious soup. When it was finally ready, Nonna Maria ladled steaming bowls of Tomato and Bread Soup into rustic ceramic bowls, garnishing each with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh basil.

We sat at her cozy kitchen table, savoring the soup in companionable silence. The flavors were rich and comforting, the bread soaking up the tomato broth and creating a hearty, satisfying dish. Nonna Maria smiled at me, her eyes twinkling with pride.

"You have a gift for cooking, my dear," she said. "Never let it go to waste. Keep experimenting, keep learning, and always remember the joy of sharing a good meal with loved ones."

Her words resonated with me, stirring something deep within my soul. From that day on, I dedicated myself to honing my culinary skills, trying new recipes, and perfecting old favorites. The Tomato and Bread Soup became a staple in my kitchen, a reminder of that fateful day in Nonna Maria's kitchen and the bonds we had formed over a shared love of food.

Years passed, and I continued to cook, to experiment, and to share my creations with friends and family. Each dish told a story, each recipe a thread in the tapestry of my life. And through it all, the Tomato and Bread Soup remained a constant, a touchstone to my roots and a reminder of the joy of simple, delicious food.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scents and sounds of cooking, I think back to that day in the village market and smile. I am grateful for the lessons I learned from Nonna Maria, for the memories we shared, and for the recipe that brought us together.

And as I ladle steaming bowls of Tomato and Bread Soup into waiting hands, I know that I am passing on a tradition, a legacy of love and nourishment that will endure for generations to come. And in each spoonful of soup, in each shared meal, the spirit of Nonna Maria lives on, a guiding light in my culinary journey.