PAPPA AL POMODORO

Pappa al Pomodoro image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Time 55m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

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2 tablespoons olive oil
4 ounces pancetta, diced
1 small red onion, halved
1 carrot, halved
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Two 14-ounce cans finely chopped or crushed tomatoes, such as Mutti
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth, plus up to 1 cup more
4 cups stale bread cubes (1-inch cubes)
2 sprigs basil
One 2-inch piece Parmesan rind
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Steps:

Heat a medium Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and pancetta, and cook until the pancetta is brown and crispy, about 4 minutes. Remove to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.
Add the red onion, carrot, garlic and red pepper flakes to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, 1 minute. Add the salt, canned tomatoes, chicken broth and bread cubes; stir to combine. Nestle in the basil sprigs and Parmesan rind. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle bubble. Stir in the pancetta.
Cook for 25 minutes, stirring often to break apart the bread and prevent the Parmesan rind from sticking to the bottom of the pan. If the soup gets too thick, add extra broth as needed; the finished soup should be silky and thickened. Stir in the grated Parmesan.
To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and top with a sprinkling of Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and chopped basil.