🍅🥖🍲 Another Tomato and Garlic Bread Soup 🍅🥖🍲
Tomato and Garlic Bread Soup, also known as “Pappa al Pomodoro” in Italian cuisine, is a classic Tuscan dish with a rich history dating back centuries. It’s a comforting and flavorful soup made with simple yet delicious ingredients. Let’s dive into its details step by step:
What is it?
Tomato and Garlic Bread Soup is a rustic Italian soup traditionally prepared to use up stale bread and ripe tomatoes. It’s a thick and hearty soup with a base of tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and stale bread, all simmered together to create a harmonious blend of flavors. It’s often garnished with fresh basil, extra-virgin olive oil, and grated Parmesan cheese.
History:
This dish has humble origins and is believed to have originated in Tuscany, Italy. It was born out of the need to make use of stale bread, ensuring that no food was wasted. Over time, it evolved into a beloved Italian comfort food.
Components:
- Tomatoes: Ripe, fresh tomatoes are the star of this soup. They provide the soup with its vibrant color and delicious tomato flavor.
- Garlic: Garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor and aroma to the soup. It’s typically sautéed in olive oil before adding the other ingredients.
- Bread: Stale, rustic bread is a key component. It absorbs the tomato broth, turning into a delightful, creamy consistency.
- Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is used for sautéing the garlic and drizzling on top as a finishing touch.
- Herbs: Fresh basil is a common herb used for garnishing, but you can also use parsley or thyme.
- Cheese: Grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese is often sprinkled on top for added richness.
Steps to Prepare:
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Prepare Ingredients: Gather your ingredients – ripe tomatoes, stale bread, garlic, fresh basil, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.
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Blanch Tomatoes: Boil a large pot of water. Cut a small “X” at the bottom of each tomato. Blanch the tomatoes for about 1-2 minutes, then transfer them to a bowl of ice water. Peel off the skin and chop them.
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Sauté Garlic: In a large saucepan, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned.
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Add Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and become saucy.
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Add Bread: Tear the stale bread into small pieces and add it to the tomato mixture. Stir well to combine. The bread will soak up the tomato sauce and thicken the soup.
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Simmer: Let the soup simmer on low heat for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If it becomes too thick, you can add a bit of water or vegetable broth.
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Serve: Once the soup has reached your desired consistency, remove it from heat. Tear some fresh basil leaves and stir them into the soup. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Preparation Time:
The preparation time for Tomato and Garlic Bread Soup can vary, but on average, it takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to make this delicious soup from start to finish.
So there you have it, a flavorful, hearty Tomato and Garlic Bread Soup that’s not only delicious but also has a rich history in Italian cuisine. Buon appetito! 🇮🇹🍲😋
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Tomato and Garlic Bread Soup:
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, approximate values):
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Dietary Fiber: 4-6g
- Sugars: 6-8g
- Fat: 12-15g
- Saturated Fat: 2-3g
- Cholesterol: 0-5mg
- Sodium: 600-800mg (varies based on added salt)
- Potassium: 400-600mg
- Vitamin C: 15-20% of daily recommended intake
- Vitamin A: 10-15% of daily recommended intake
- Calcium: 6-8% of daily recommended intake
- Iron: 10-12% of daily recommended intake
Health Information:
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Rich in Fiber: Tomato and Garlic Bread Soup contains a good amount of dietary fiber, primarily from the tomatoes and bread. Fiber is essential for digestive health and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
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Low in Saturated Fat: This soup is generally low in saturated fat, which is a positive aspect for heart health. The fat content mostly comes from heart-healthy olive oil.
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Good Source of Vitamins: It provides a significant portion of your daily vitamin C needs, which supports the immune system, and vitamin A, which is important for eye health.
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Moderate Calories: The calorie content is moderate, making it a satisfying but not overly high-calorie meal option.
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High Sodium Variation: Be cautious with the sodium content, as it can vary depending on the amount of added salt. High sodium intake is associated with high blood pressure, so consider reducing salt if needed.
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Nutrient Dense: While it’s a comfort food, it contains valuable nutrients, especially when made with fresh, quality ingredients.
Remember that these values can vary based on the specific recipe and portion size, so it’s a good practice to calculate the exact nutrition facts based on your preparation if you have specific dietary concerns or restrictions.
