Tomato and Bread Soup

== Description ==
Savory, thick, and satisfying. Perfect for lunch when served with a tossed greens salad.
== Ingredients ==
* 5 slices Italian bread, crusts removed and cut into 1 (½" thick slices)
* 4 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
* ½ cup onions, diced
* 5 cloves garlic, crushed and coarsely chopped
* ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, crushed
* 4 pepperoncini peppers, chopped
* 16 plum tomatoes, skinned, seeded and cut into ½ (about 4 cups)
* 4 cups beef stock or beef broth
* 12 leaves fresh basil, torn into 1 (leaves)
* ½ cup gorgonzola, crumbled (optional)
== Directions ==
# Preheat oven to 350F degrees, place bread cubes on baking sheet and toast until edges are lightly brown, about 8 – 10 minutes.
# Heat olive oil in a 5 quart pot over medium heat, add onions and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they begin to soften.
# Add the garlic and crushed red pepper and continue to cook, stirring, for an additional 5 minutes or until the garlic becomes golden.
# Add pepperoncini, tomatoes, beef stock and toasted bread and bring to a boil.
# Reduce to a simmer, add basil and cook, covered, 30 – 40 minutes stirring occasionally.
# Season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle into soup bowls and drizzle with olive oil, garnish with crumbled gorgonzola.
Category:Basil Recipes
Category:Beef stock and broth Recipes
Category:Garlic Recipes
Category:Gorgonzola Recipes
Category:Italian Soups
Category:Italian bread Recipes
Category:Onion Recipes
Category:Pepperoncini Recipes
Category:Plum tomato Recipes
Category:Tomato Soup Recipes