Let’s discover one of the symbolic dishes of Tuscany, directly from Podere Salicotto’s recipe book
A warm hug, a dip into memories, one of the traditional Tuscan recipes par excellence: there are many, many ways to describe and celebrate the tomato soup! A simple, reassuring dish suitable for young and old: here is one of the symbolic recipes of Tuscany made with very few ingredients, essentially many good ripe seasonal tomatoes. Although it can be cooked all year round with canned peeled tomatoes, pappa al pomodoro finds its maximum expression with this season’s ripe and juicy tomatoes.
So if we have made your mouth water, here is another recipe ready for you from the kitchens of our farmhouse Podere Salicotto, our oasis of relaxation in the heart of the most authentic Tuscany.
It is an easy-to-make dish that despite the few ingredients is able to bring so much joy to the table: the origins of this comfort food are lost in the skilful peasant cuisine, specially designed to recycle and recover the leftovers of stale bread. The only rule is to use the typical plain Tuscan bread, without salt. Traces of this recipe can already be found in Il Giornalino by Gian Burrasca, from which Rita Pavone took inspiration for her song W la pappa con il pomodoro in 1965.
A dish of humble origins, but which, like Panzanella, has recently been rediscovered, entering fully into the menus of restaurants throughout Italy. This is one of the best known and loved leftovers recipes in the whole peninsula: it is possible to serve pappa al pomodoro at room temperature, without the need to reheat it. It can also be stored in the freezer, ready to be enjoyed at any time!
The word “Pappa” is often used in Tuscany as a term for baby food and refers to the consistency of the bread in the soup which becomes very soft.
Ingredients
● 500 g of mature Tuscan tomatoes
● 300 g of stale Tuscan bread
● 1 litre of vegetable stock
● 1 clove of garlic
● A few fresh basil leaves
● Extra virgin olive oil
● salt
● pepper
Procedure
Let’s start by washing and peeling the tomatoes which should then be cut into large chunks. In a saucepan (preferably earthenware) heat the extra virgin olive oil with a clove of garlic over medium heat for about 2 minutes; then remove the garlic and add the tomatoes, cooking for a few minutes with the lid on. Season the tomato with salt and pepper; in the meantime, cut the bread into small pieces and put it in a large bowl, because you will add the vegetable stock to this. Heat the vegetable stock.
Pour the heated vegetable stock to cover the cut bread and leave until the crust becomes soft: return the bread and stock mix to the saucepan with the tomato, stir constantly, until the bread is completely broken down. If the mixture is too dry, add a little more vegetable stock. Finally, let your soup rest and then season with salt, pepper, a nice drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few nice leaves of fresh basil.
A dip into the most authentic Tuscany here at Podere Salicotto
Here at Podere Salicotto this magical corner of Tuscany awaits you, the wonderful Crete Senesi.
An authentic territory and nature to be discovered: here you can admire the barren hills and the typical lunar landscapes of the Crete Senesi. At Podere Salicotto your Tuscan holiday awaits you, in the pursuit of complete relaxation and contact with nature!
Here, after intense days on the bike or trekking in the countryside, you can refresh yourself in our salt water swimming pool. Take a seat on the sun loungers to watch the sunset over the Crete, perhaps sipping a good glass of wine from our cellar open 24h / 24 with many renowned labels. Did you know that some of the most famous wines in the world are born nearby, such as Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano? Furthermore, thanks to our staff, at Podere Salicotto you will have the opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful villages in the area, taste typical products and carry out maintenance on your bikes in our special garage dedicated to two wheels.
If you want to find out more about typical Tuscan recipes, take advantage of our cooking classes with Silvia, the splendid hostess of our farmhouse. You can cook using genuine products and then taste the fruit of your work under our pergola, while admiring all the Crete Senesi. Our courses are customizable and also vegetarian on request. This summer choose the Crete Senesi and Podere Salicotto, an authentic experience of rediscovery of nature and ancient flavors awaits you! (Re) discover the good living and the Tuscan tradition, we are waiting for you at Podere Salicotto!
If you want to try other typical recipes of these lands, click HERE.
You can find our offers to discover all the wonders of Podere Salicotto HERE, we are waiting for you to cook and relax in the heart of the Crete Senesi!
