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–+ servings
Tuscan Bread and Tomato Soup

Hearty Tuscan Bread and Tomato Soup for Cozy Nights

This Hearty Tuscan Bread and Tomato Soup is a comforting dish that combines ripe tomatoes and stale bread for a delightful meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Soups
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base
  • 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Adds richness and flavor to the soup; substitute with vegetable oil for a lighter version.
  • 1 medium Onion Provides a base flavor with sweetness; use shallots or leeks for a milder taste.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Enhances aroma and depth; no direct substitution, but roasted garlic can be used for a sweeter flavor.
  • 28 ounces Chopped Tomatoes (canned) Serves as the base for the soup; opt for fresh diced tomatoes when in season for a burst of freshness.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Intensifies the tomato flavor; can be replaced with additional fresh tomatoes in larger quantities if needed.
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar Balances the acidity from the tomatoes; you can omit or substitute with honey for a natural sweetener.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Adds heat; adjust to taste, or use black pepper to keep the soup mild.
  • Salt & Freshly Ground Pepper Essential for seasoning; adjust these to your personal taste.
For the Hearty Touch
  • 1 pound Country Bread (stale) Provides texture and heartiness; substitute with whole-grain or gluten-free bread for dietary needs.
  • 2-3 tablespoons Fresh Basil (torn) Offers fresh herbal notes and aroma; use parsley for a different flavor profile.
  • Shaved Parmesan (for serving, optional) Adds a savory finish; for a vegan option, use nutritional yeast.

Equipment

  • Large Pot

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Mix in minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes.
  4. Add torn stale bread and pour in water. Toss in half of the torn basil. Stir well to combine.
  5. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, mashing the bread into the mixture, and allow it to thicken for about 10 minutes.
  6. Turn off the heat, fold in the remaining basil, adjust seasoning, and serve with a drizzle of olive oil and optional Parmesan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 7gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 400mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 750IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Stale bread is crucial for the best texture. Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for a vibrant taste.

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