Bread Thickened Sicilian Tomato-Basil Soup

Bread Thickened Sicilian Tomato-Basil Soup

INGREDIENTS:
Serves 3-4

• 2 1/4 cup water
• 10 scallions, white and green parts both chopped and separated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 balsamic vinegar
• 20 basil leaves, 3/4 shredded and 1/4 left whole for garnish
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz. Italian bread, torn into small pieces

DIRECTIONS:

In large pot, heat 1/4 cup water over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook 3 minutes. Add the white part of the scallions, tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, shredded basil and cayenne pepper. Cook over medium high heat for 10 minutes, stirring often. Add the broth, 2 remaining cups of water, salt, pepper and bring to a boil. Stir in the pieces of bread, reduce the heat to medium low, and cook an additional 5 minutes. Stir in the remaining scallion parts and cover the cooking pot with a lid. Turn off the heat and let stand for 20 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil leaves.