Best Easy Pappa al Pomodoro Recipe

Stale bread simmered with ripe tomatoes, garlic, and basil creates this iconic Tuscan soup. A vegetarian mediterranean dish that's naturally low-calorie and perfect for clean eats and calorie deficit plans.

Cook 45 min Difficulty EASY 220 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean #low carb #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • ripe tomatoes 3 cups
  • stale rustic bread 4 cups
  • yellow onion 1 medium
  • garlic cloves 4 pieces
  • vegetable broth 3 cups
  • fresh basil leaves 1 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • extra-virgin olive oil 3 tbsp
  • kosher salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • red pepper flakes 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 36 g 65%
Protein 6 g 11%
Fat 6 g 24%
Serving size 320g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring, until translucent but not browned, about 5 minutes.

  2. 2

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add the red pepper flakes.

  3. 3

    Add the chopped ripe tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and release juices, about 12 minutes.

  4. 4

    Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer; then, add the stale bread cubes. Press the bread into the liquid to fully soak.

  5. 5

    Cook on low heat, stirring frequently and breaking up the bread further as it softens. Once thick and creamy, turn off the heat and stir in grated fresh basil, black pepper, and adjust salt as needed. Finish with a drizzle of remaining olive oil before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient that gives Pappa al Pomodoro its signature flavor and texture?
The signature flavor and texture of Pappa al Pomodoro come from the combination of ripe tomatoes and stale rustic bread. The bread absorbs the tomato juices and broth, creating the iconic thick, creamy texture, while the tomatoes bring the fresh, tangy flavor essential to this Tuscan dish.
Q. Are there important cooking steps for perfect consistency in this soup?
Yes, simmering the bread with tomatoes and broth over low heat while stirring and breaking the bread apart is crucial for proper texture. Give the mixture time to thicken slowly—rushing can result in either undercooked bread chunks or overly mushy soup. Medium-low heat allows everything to meld and avoids scorching.
Q. How can I avoid ending up with a soup that's too thin or too stodgy?
To prevent a thin soup, allow the bread to fully soak and break down in the simmering tomato mixture. If it becomes too thick, add a splash more vegetable broth and stir gently; if too thin, let it simmer uncovered a bit longer while stirring, so excess liquid can evaporate.
Q. What is the nutrition profile per serving in this recipe?
Each serving is about 320g and contains roughly 220 kcal, with 36g carbohydrates (65% of calories), 6g protein (11%), and 6g fat (24%). The soup offers a balanced low-calorie option, making it suitable for calorie-conscious eaters.
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