Ingredients:

  • 3 1/2 cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) instant dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons (9g) salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (360ml) lukewarm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil, plus more for greasing
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Sesame seeds, for sprinkling (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (28 ounce / 794g) cans crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce / 425g) can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups (480ml) vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Make the Bread Dough: Combine flour, yeast, and salt in a bowl. Add water and olive oil; mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead (by hand or with a mixer) until smooth and elastic.
  2. First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled.
  3. Shape the Bread Bowls: Punch down dough. Divide into 4 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a round loaf. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Second Rise: Cover and let rise again until puffy.
  5. Bake the Bread Bowls: Preheat oven. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake until golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack.
  6. Prepare the Soup: Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  7. Simmer the Soup: Reduce heat and simmer until flavors meld.
  8. Blend the Soup: (Optional) Use an immersion blender to create a smooth consistency.
  9. Finish the Soup: Stir in heavy cream and butter. Heat through.
  10. Assemble the Bread Bowls: Cut a circle from the top of each bread bowl and hollow out the inside (reserve the bread pieces for dipping). Fill each bread bowl with the creamy tomato soup. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.