Bread And Tomato Soup
A hearty and flavorful tomato and bread soup blending ripe tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for all tomato lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. very ripe fresh plum tomatoes, peeled and finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can Italian peeled tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 1 lb. stale peasant bread, cut into cubes ⓘ
- 4 c. chicken stock ⓘ
- 5 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 medium leek
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- pinch of crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. olive oil ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, stir together all ingredients.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for 1 hour.
- Remove the garlic cloves if desired and ladle into bowls.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider roasting the garlic before adding it to the soup for a sweeter note. If fresh plum tomatoes are unavailable, substitute with more canned Italian tomatoes. For a heartier texture, use crusty bread rather than stale peasant bread. Adjust the crushed red pepper to your heat preference, or replace it with a dash of smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil for added richness. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread for dipping. Consider offering grated Parmesan cheese on the side for those who enjoy a cheesy touch. For a full meal, complement it with a side like Cannellini Bean And Asparagus Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock if it thickens too much. This soup also freezes well; just ensure it cools completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bread And Tomato Soup contains roughly 865 calories, with 19g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (230% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (39% of the Daily Value), and protein (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1420mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried ones?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or parsley can elevate the flavor of your soup. Add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their vibrant taste. Just remember to adjust the quantity, as fresh herbs are usually more potent than dried ones.
What if I don't have chicken stock?
If chicken stock isn't available, vegetable stock or even water can be used as a substitute. While vegetable stock may change the flavor slightly, it will still yield a delicious soup. For a richer taste, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
How can I make this soup vegan?
To make this soup vegan, simply replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock and omit any animal-based ingredients. The flavors will still shine through, especially with the robust tomatoes and garlic. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).