Pappa al Pomodoro

A rustic Tuscan soup made with roasted tomatoes, bread, and aromatic herbs. This hearty Italian classic transforms simple ingredients into a rich, comforting dish.

4 servings
1 hr

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds tomatoes, cored, quartered
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 to taste Kosher salt
  • 1 to taste black pepper
  • 4 sprigs basil
  • ¼ loaf country-style bread
  • crust removed
  • cups bread pieces
  • divided

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat oven to 450°. Toss tomatoes, garlic, fennel seeds, and 3 tablespoons oil in a large baking dish; season with salt and pepper.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Roast, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are browned and the juices thicken, 30-35 minutes.

    35 min

  3. 3.

    Transfer tomato mixture to a large saucepan; add basil, 1 cup torn bread, and 4 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally and breaking up bread and tomatoes a little, until bread is softened and soup has thickened slightly, 8-10 minutes; season with salt and pepper.

    10 min

  4. 4.

    Meanwhile, tear remaining 1/2 cup bread into smaller pieces; toss on a baking sheet with 3 tablespoons oil; season with salt. Toast, tossing often, until crisp, 5-8 minutes.

    8 min

  5. 5.

    Serve soup topped with toasted bread and drizzled with more oil.

    2 min

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