Italian Tomato and Bread Soup

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped 1 kg (2.2 lbs) ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped
• 4 cups (950 ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950 ml) vegetable broth
• 4 cups (240 g) stale bread, torn into small pieces 4 cups (240 g) stale bread, torn into small pieces
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh basil leaves, chopped 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 10g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and cook for about 10 minutes, until they start to break down and release their juices.
3. 3.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. 4.
   Add the torn bread pieces to the pot and stir well. Let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes, until the bread has absorbed the liquid and becomes soft.
5. 5.
   Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Serve the Tomato and Bread Soup hot, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bread — Using stale bread is essential for this recipe as it absorbs the flavors of the soup without becoming mushy. If you don't have stale bread, you can toast fresh bread in the oven until it becomes slightly dry.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, you can add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the soup before serving.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the soup using an immersion blender or a countertop blender.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spiciness.

Serving advice

Serve the Tomato and Bread Soup as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

When serving the Tomato and Bread Soup, ensure that each bowl is garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and a few fresh basil leaves. The vibrant red color of the soup will be visually appealing against the green basil leaves.