Tomato and Bread Soup

Warm, rustic, and comforting, Tomato and Bread Soup, or "Pappa al Pomodoro," is a hearty Italian classic that transforms simple pantry staples into a bowl of flavor-packed perfection. Bursting with the robust taste of ripe tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil, this dish is enriched with day-old crusty bread that soaks up a savory vegetable broth, creating a thick, velvety texture. A drizzle of olive oil and optional Parmesan cheese elevate each serving, making it ideal for a cozy lunch or light dinner. With just 15 minutes of prep time and fresh, wholesome ingredients, this dish is a testament to the beauty of uncomplicated cooking. Serve it piping hot for a soul-soothing experience that brings the essence of Italian countryside cooking right to your kitchen.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 6 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 3 cups day-old crusty bread, torn into pieces
• 1 handful fresh basil leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to break down and release their juices.

Step 5

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 6

Stir in the torn bread pieces and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the bread to soften and absorb the liquid.

Step 7

Add the fresh basil leaves and use an immersion blender to break down the soup slightly, leaving some texture (or blend in batches if using a countertop blender).

Step 8

Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 9

Serve the soup hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and an extra drizzle of olive oil.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2475.6 grams (2475.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2621

Total Fat 98.60g	126%
Saturated Fat 32.20g	161%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.80g
Cholesterol 95mg	32%
Sodium 8605mg	374%
Total Carbohydrate 336.00g	122%
Dietary Fiber 32.90g	118%
Total Sugars 48.80g
Protein 107.40g	215%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1765mg	136%
Iron 22mg	121%
Potassium 4353mg	93%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 33.3%

Protein: 16.1%

Carbs: 50.5%