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Pappa al Pomodoro
Pappa al pomodoro is a traditional Tuscan dish. This thick soup is made with stale Tuscan bread, tomatoes and fresh basil. Recipe adapted from Apicius International School of Hospitality.
Prep Time
7 hrs 15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 264 kcal
Course:
Appetizer
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic chopped
- 28 ounce San Marzano DOP tomatoes, chopped, reserve juice
- 12 ounce stale or dry white bread, crusts removed and cubed, (see notes)
- 2 cups hot water (or vegetable broth)
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- 6 large basil leaves chiffonade
- kosher salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Chop tomatoes and reserve juice.
- In a large saucepan heat 3 Tablespoons olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add onions and cook until translucent and softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook briefly just to release aroma.
- Add chopped tomatoes and juice, reduce heat and cook about 8-10 minutes, until sauce has thickened.
- Using an immersion blender or food processor, blend or pulse the tomato mixture a few times until blended. Don't worry if there if there is some texture.
- Add bread cubes into the sauce, stirring until well combined. The bread will break down and dissolve. Partially cover and simmer 20 minutes, adding hot water or broth as needed, stirring occasionally. The soup will be quite thick, like porridge, so be careful not to add too much liquid.
- Season with kosher salt and pepper to taste.
- Just before serving add basil to soup. Garnish each bowl with additional basil and a drizzle of olive oil.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- This soup uses stale bread. You can either purchase a country or rustic loaf a few days before making it or cube the bread and allow it to dry out in the oven for a few minutes. It's a great way to use up leftover or old bread.
- Don't expect a "soup like" consistency, pappa al pomodoro is as thick as porridge!
- This is a very rich soup, so a little goes a long way. It will serve 6-8 as a starter or "primo".
- Season with red pepper flakes if desired.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1serving
Calories
264kcal
(13%)
Carbohydrates
39g
(13%)
Protein
8g
(16%)
Fat
9g
(14%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
6g
Trans Fat
0.01g
Sodium
446mg
(19%)
Potassium
478mg
(14%)
Fiber
4g
(16%)
Sugar
9g
(18%)
Vitamin A
306IU
(6%)
Vitamin C
14mg
(16%)
Calcium
171mg
(17%)
Iron
4mg
(22%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 264
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 264kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 39g | 13% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Sodium | 446mg | 19% |
| Potassium | 478mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 306IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 14mg | 16% |
| Calcium | 171mg | 17% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.