Tomato Soup (La pappa al pomodoro)

Delicious Tomato Papica Recipe (Pappa al pomodoro)

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Tomato papica, also known as Pappa al pomodoro, is a traditional Italian dish, simple and comforting, perfect for chilly days. This dish is a true celebration of the tomato, and its intense aroma will delight any cooking enthusiast. Let's discover together how to prepare this savory recipe!

Ingredients:
- 1 kg ripe tomatoes (ideally San Marzano tomatoes for authentic flavor)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 slices of rustic bread (preferably from the previous day)
- 500 ml vegetable broth or water
- 3-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preparing the tomatoes: If you have kept the tomatoes in the fridge overnight, that's perfect. They will be easier to peel and seed. Cut them into large cubes, making sure to remove the seeds, to achieve a less acidic and smoother tomato soup.

2. Sauté the onion: In a large pot, add the olive oil and sauté the onion over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until it becomes translucent. Add the garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it, as it will become bitter.

3. Cook the tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, until the tomatoes break down and turn into a delicious sauce. If using canned tomatoes, the cooking time will be shorter.

4. Add the bread: Tear the bread slices into large pieces and add them to the pot. Pour the vegetable broth or water over them. Stir everything and let it cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bread breaks down and integrates into the mixture.

5. Season: Add salt, pepper, and fresh basil leaves. Mix again and let it simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

6. Serving: Tomato papica is served warm, drizzled with olive oil on top and garnished with a few basil leaves. You can also add grated Parmesan for extra flavor.

Useful tips:
- If you want a smoother texture, you can blend the soup with an immersion blender after it has cooked.
- Instead of basil, you can experiment with other fresh herbs like oregano or thyme.
- This recipe can be easily adapted by adding vegetables like carrots or celery for extra nutrients.

Possible variations:
- Add a few black olives for a more pronounced Mediterranean flavor.
- Drizzle a bit of balsamic vinegar at the end for a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Tomato papica is more than just a recipe – it's a way to bring a bit of Italy into your kitchen. Enjoy every spoonful and revel in the comfort of this traditional dish!