It is officially fall, but we are lucky enough to still find some good tomatoes at some of our man Farmer’s Market locations. Our days are very warm and even though the calendar shows us one thing….it’s still late summer here in Nashville. We are all looking forward to cooler days while still enjoying our garden flowers and meals outdoors. Here is my recipe for “Bread and Tomato Stew” or “Pappa Al Pomodoro”. Simple to make, rustic in appearance and an homage to the last of our local tomatoes.
Cherokee Purple tomatoes. They are my favorite tomato and I’m a little sad to see the end of them, but always looking forward to next summer’s bounty.
Good rustic, crusty bread from Dozen Bakery Nashville, local homegrown Cherokee Purple tomatoes, basil from my garden are the basic ingredients.
Tomatoes cooked down with leeks, onions and garlic, olive oil, wine and water ready for the bread cubes to be added. The bread soaks up the juice and all the flavors meld. A generous grating of good parmesan cheese and a glass of chilled wine are all you need….and love.
Bread and Tomato Stew Italian Style
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup chopped leeks, white parts only
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 6 thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 2 cups dry white wine
- 2 1/2 to 3 lbs good tomatoes, cored and chopped (peel if skins are tough)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn into small pieces
- 4 cups water
- 2 1/2 cups cubed day old rustic bread
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- a chunk of good Parmesan Cheese and a grater for serving
Directions:
- Saute leeks, red onion and garlic in olive oil until softened over medium heat.
- Turn heat to medium high and add wine. Reduce by half.
- Turn heat down to medium and add chopped tomatoes and half the basil leaves and the water. Bring mixture to a low boil then turn down to simmer for 10 minutes. Stir every now and then.
- Add in cubed bread, tossing to coat with tomato mixture and cook for 15 minutes. Add more water if necessary.
- Add sea salt and black pepper to taste and cook for 5 minutes adding in the remaining half of the basil in just before moving off heat. Stir to combine all ingredients. The finished dish should be somewhat soupy but stew-like. Add more liquid if desired. I always make this “fork edible”.
- Serve with a generous grating of Parmesan and a nice chilled Italian White wine.
Teresa Blackburn http://www.teresablackburnfoodstyling. www.foodonfifth
That sounds delicious!! Thanks for sharing it.
My pleasure and I’ll come over to your blog and see what that’s all about. Next to food, books are my passion. Thanks very much.
Looks amazing with great pictures 🙂
Many thanks for stopping by.
Mama Mia! Could I have some for breakfast? Love the leeks with the red onion in this Teresa. With a heat wave, I’d have it at room temperature or chilled. Delicious way to use up all of the garden’s tomatoes.
Johanne Lamarche
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Yes this is so good either hot, room temp or cold. I love this dish so much and it’s easy as can be. I hope you are well and thank you as always Johanne.
Looks amazing!
Thank you Debbie. Hope your are well. T
How about adding a few slices of avocado? Wouldn’t that look lovely?
Have you ever tried this with red wine?
I think fresh avocado slices would be fantastic tasting and very pretty indeed. I have never made with red wine, but would no doubt be tasty. Or to drink along with it!! Thanks Kay for stopping by.
It seems every restaurant in Tuscany serves this dish. Yours made with the Cherokee Purple tomatoes sounds delicious.