Tomato and Bread Soup
A heartwarming and rustic Italian-American soup that transforms stale bread and ripe tomatoes into a thick, savory meal. Simmered with garlic and fresh basil, it's the ultimate comfort food.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté the aromatics.
- b.Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- c.Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using).
- d.Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to let it burn, as it will become bitter.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Simmer the tomato base.
- b.Carefully pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
- c.Season with 1 tsp of salt and 0.5 tsp of black pepper.
- d.Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook, uncovered, for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the base to thicken slightly.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Add the bread and finish the soup.
- b.Stir the torn bread pieces and the chopped fresh basil into the simmering tomato base.
- c.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and continue to cook for another 10 minutes.
- d.Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, until the bread has completely softened and absorbed the liquid, thickening the soup to a rustic, porridge-like consistency.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Rest and serve.
- b.Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld further.
- c.Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- d.Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Drizzle each serving with a little extra virgin olive oil, and garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Using high-quality, truly stale bread with a firm crust is key to achieving the perfect texture; fresh bread will turn mushy.
- 2For a deeper tomato flavor, you can add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste along with the garlic.
- 3The soup thickens considerably as it cools. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of warm broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- 4This soup is even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
- 5For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to pulse the soup a few times before serving, making sure to leave some texture.
- 6To boost the protein content, stir in a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans along with the bread in step 3.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add a finely chopped fresh red chili along with the garlic for extra heat.
HerbyHerby
Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or a few sprigs of thyme to the tomato base while it simmers. Remove the sprigs before serving.
Richer FlavorRicher Flavor
Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a deeper, more savory flavor profile.
CheesyCheesy
Stir in 1/4 cup of grated Pecorino Romano cheese along with the Parmesan for a sharper, saltier finish.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Cooking tomatoes, as in this soup, increases the bioavailability of lycopene.
Supports Heart Health
The use of extra virgin olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while garlic has been shown to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, contributing to overall cardiovascular wellness.
Good Source of Fiber
When made with whole-grain rustic bread, this soup is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it can be a very healthy meal. It's rich in lycopene from tomatoes, healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil, and allicin from garlic. Using whole-grain bread increases its fiber content, making it a nutritious and filling option.