This is a good way to use up old bread and surplus ripe tomatoes. It’s easy to make, tasty and more nutritious than canned tomato soup. It’s an Italian comfort food which Filipinos may find just as comforting.
INGREDIENTS:
| 3 tbsp. olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 4 garlic cloves, crushed 2 pounds ripe fresh tomatoes, sliced 2 bay leaves 1 tsp. salt 1 tbsp. patis | 1 tbsp. sugar 1 tsp. black pepper 1 tsp. dried thyme 1 tsp. dried oregano 4 cups water or broth 4 thick slices day old bread 1 tbsp. fresh basil, minced |
DIRECTION:
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan, add onions and cook slowly for 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Bring to a boil and simmer stirring occasionally for 15 minutes or until tomatoes and onions have blended together.
- Add water and patis, bring back to boil, add bread. Simmer until bread has softened but not mushy. Correct seasoning. Garnish with fresh basil.
Note: If fresh thyme and oregano are available. replace dried herbs with 1 tbsp. each minced thyme and oregano.
Variation: To make this a hearty soup, add 1 cup chopped cooked ham or cooked chicken and 2 slices bacon, diced or 1 cup of sliced cooked garlic sausage. It can be a light meal by itself with a salad.
Preparation and cooking time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4
