Soups & Creams

The old Italian saying If it isn’t soup, it’s wet bread, reveals the origins of a food which, for centuries, was considered to be a poor man’s dish. And it’s no wonder. Bread was first used in medieval times by the rich instead of a plate to eat their meals off of, and then, when they had finished, it was boiled, in water or soup, to become the servant’s dinner. But even stale bread, which had been left over from the days before, was steeped in water to soften it up, resulting in some of the most beloved, traditional, Italian recipes, especially those from Tuscany.


THE RECIPES

Light or filling, with vegetables or legumes, meat or fish, here are 40 creams and soups which are given as Italian tradition dictates or reinterpreted depending on creative tastes. From a classic like cereal soup to clam cream with potatoes, cream of porcini mushroom soup and chick pea puree, here are 40 tasty, healthy recipes, which bring out the best in seasonal vegetables. All have benefited from years of farmhouse wisdom, respond to the criteria of a balanced diet and boast natural, delicate flavours. They provide warm comfort during the long, wintry months, and are refreshing delicacies when served cold on hot summer days.