PAPPA AL POMODORO / CLASSIC ITALIAN TOMATO SOUP

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Pappa Al Pomodoro / Classic Italian Tomato Soup image

This is a classic Italian tomato soup that uses ciabatta bread to thicken it. Unlike other recipes posted here, this soup is made with red wine & fennel, then at serving it is topped with pancetta and whole crispy basil leaves. The flavor is amazing! The recipe comes from the chef of a cooking class I had the pleasure to take. I am not sure what cookbook this may have come from. 4/12 Correction: recipe of Ina Garten (thanks Jekase!)

Provided by Chicagoland Chef du

Categories     < 4 Hours

Time 1h45m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

1/2 cup olive oil
2 cups chopped yellow onions or 2 chopped yellow onions
1 medium-diced carrot, scrubbed, unpeeled, I peel and dice
1 fennel bulbs, trimmed, cored and medium dice or 1 1/2 cups fennel bulbs
4 teaspoons garlic cloves, minced or 4 garlic cloves
3 cups ciabatta, 1-inch dice, crust removed, I do not remove the crusts
2 (28 ounce) cans san marzano canned tomatoes
4 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup dry red wine
1 cup fresh basil leaf, chopped, if using dried, I have used dried about 3 Tablespoons I felt the dried equivalent of 1/3 C
1 tablespoon kosher salt, to taste
1 1/2 teaspoons pepper, to taste
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 inch diced ciabatta, 3-5 cubes per bowl, approx. 5 slices
2 ounces pancetta, small dice, I brow up 4 ounces
12 basil leaves, can omit
3 tablespoons olive oil

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, fennel, and garlic. Cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, until tender.
  • Add the ciabatta cubes and cook for 5 more minutes.
  • Place the tomatoes in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade and process until coarsely chopped. Add the tomatoes to the pot along with the chicken stock, red wine, basil, 1 T salt, and 1 1/2 t pepper.
  • Bring the soup to a boil, lower the heat and allow to simmer, partially covered for 45 minutes.
  • MEANWHILE: Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • TOPPING:.
  • In a large bowl, put the reserved ciabatta bread cubes, pancetta and whole basil leaves in the bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat.
  • On a lined sheet pan large enough for all ingredients, place the ingredients in a single layer, Be sure the basil leaves are flat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Bake until the cubes are toasted, pancetta crispy and basil leaves turn dark & crisp. This may take 15-20 minutes.
  • Check on your soup. If the soup is too lumpy for you you can smash with a wooden spoon, potato masher or use a submersion blender to break up the bread cubes. Alternately you can puree in batches in a food processor or blender. Blend to desired consistency. I prefer a more rustic presentation.
  • *Take care to only fill the blender or food processor 1/3 when you puree HOT soup.
  • Turn up the heat to rewarm if necessary. At this point check for seasoning. Add more salt and pepper as needed.
  • Stir in parmesan cheese, top with basil leaf, pancetta and bread cubes.
  • Freezes well.

MD NAEEM MONDOL BOSS
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This recipe was easy to follow and the soup turned out great! I'll definitely be making it again.


Emery Bacerra
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This soup is just okay. It's not bad, but it's not great either.


MD Yasin Arfat
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This recipe is a bit too expensive for my budget. I think I'll look for a more affordable pappa al pomodoro recipe next time.


Ayia Carr
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I'm not sure what I did wrong, but my soup turned out watery and flavorless.


Imran Shaikh
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This recipe was a bit too time-consuming for me. I think I'll look for a simpler pappa al pomodoro recipe next time.


Zaga Ug
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The soup was a bit too thick for my liking. I think I'll add more water next time.


little._.ripper
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I found this recipe to be a bit bland. I think it could use more garlic and herbs.


Muhammad Zain
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This pappa al pomodoro was a bit too tangy for my taste. I think I'll add a little more sugar next time.


Obi sandra
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This soup is so flavorful and satisfying. I love the way the tomatoes and basil complement each other.


Sr shimul Hasan
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I've made this soup several times and it's always a hit. It's a great way to use up ripe tomatoes.


Trisha Oferrall
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This soup is the perfect comfort food for a cold night.


Tahir Rajpoot
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I love the simplicity of this recipe. It's just a few fresh ingredients that come together to create something truly special.


Brightboy Simiyu
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This soup is so easy to make and it's always a crowd-pleaser.


Abaidullahjoiya 352
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This soup is a great way to use up leftover bread. It's also a great vegetarian option that's packed with flavor.


Md Nasir Iqbal007
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I'm not usually a fan of tomato soup, but this recipe changed my mind. It's so light and refreshing, with a perfect balance of sweet and savory.


toro love
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I made this soup for a dinner party and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved the unique flavor and texture.


SN SAGOR vlog
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This soup is amazing! It's so flavorful and comforting. I especially love the way the bread soaks up the tomato broth.


Priya Paul
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I've tried many pappa al pomodoro recipes over the years, but this one is by far the best. The addition of the bread and Parmesan cheese gives it a rich and creamy texture that I love.


thet htar
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This pappa al pomodoro was a delightful and authentic Italian dish! The flavors of the fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic came together perfectly. It was easy to make and a great way to use up ripe summer tomatoes.