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Pappa al Pomodoro

This Pappa al pomodoro is a beautiful celebration of simple, rustic Italian cooking. By roasting fresh tomatoes with garlic and fragrant fennel seeds, the natural sugars caramelise to create a deeply savoury and rich base. This vegan soup relies on the traditional technique of thickening the broth with torn, shop-bought crusty bread, resulting in a comforting, velvety texture that is far more satisfying than a standard tomato soup.

Ideal as a healthy lunch or a light starter, this dish is a fantastic way to use up slightly stale bread. The contrast between the thick, silken soup and the golden, oil-drenched croutons makes it a favourite for those seeking a wholesome yet indulgent plant-based meal. Serve it warm with a generous drizzle of high-quality olive oil to enhance the vibrant Mediterranean flavours.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Pappa al Pomodoro

  • 900g tomatoes, cored, quartered

  • 2 garlic cloves, smashed

  • 1/2 teaspoons fennel seeds

  • 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided, plus more

  • Kosher salt

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • 4 sprigs basil

  • 1/4 loaf country-style bread, crust removed, torn into 2" pieces (about 350ml ), divided

How to make Pappa al Pomodoro

Preheat oven to 450°. Toss tomatoes, garlic, fennel seeds, and 3 tablespoons oil in a large baking dish; season with salt and pepper.

Roast, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are browned and the juices thicken, 30–35 minutes.

Transfer tomato mixture to a large saucepan; add basil, 1 cup torn bread, and 950ml water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally and breaking up bread and tomatoes a little, until bread is softened and soup has thickened slightly, 8–10 minutes; season with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, tear remaining 120ml bread into smaller pieces; toss on a baking sheet with 3 tablespoons oil; season with salt. Toast, tossing often, until crisp, 5–8 minutes.

Serve soup topped with toasted bread and drizzled with more oil.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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