Pappa al Pomodoro

Pappa al Pomodoro is a hearty, rustic Tuscan soup or porridge made primarily from stale bread, ripe tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil. It's a classic example of Italian 'cucina povera' (peasant cooking), transforming simple, leftover ingredients into a comforting and flavorful dish. The bread thickens the soup, giving it a unique, soft, and stew-like consistency.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is primarily a source of carbohydrates from the bread and tomatoes, with healthy fats from a generous amount of olive oil. It provides vitamins like vitamin C and lycopene from the tomatoes, along with some fiber. A typical serving contains roughly 300-400 calories, varying with the bread-to-liquid ratio and olive oil used.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	220 kcal
Protein	7 g
Carbs	30 g
Fat	9 g
Fiber	4 g
Sugar	6 g
Sodium	680 mg
Potassium	450 mg
Vitamin A	1200 IU
Vitamin C	15 mg
Calcium	100 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Vitamin K	15 mcg
Magnesium	35 mg
Folate	40 mcg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, Pappa al Pomodoro is a celebrated symbol of Tuscan frugality and resourcefulness, perfectly embodying the philosophy of wasting nothing. Nutritionally, the combination of cooked tomatoes and olive oil enhances the body's absorption of the antioxidant lycopene, making it a surprisingly nutritious comfort food.