Introducing Two New Tuscan Soups at Zona Little Italy

At Zona Little Italy, we love bringing traditional Italian flavors to our customers, especially dishes that carry the heritage and heart of Italy’s regional cuisine. This month, we are proud to introduce two classic soups from Tuscany, both made with simple ingredients and centuries of history.

Pappa al Pomodoro, the Comfort of the Tuscan Countryside

Pappa al Pomodoro is a tomato and bread soup that captures the spirit of cucina povera, the humble but ingenious cooking style of rural Tuscany. Long ago, families relied on stale bread and whatever they had available to feed themselves. When tomatoes became common in Italian kitchens after being brought from the Americas, they transformed this dish into a Tuscan staple.

The soup grew in popularity across Italy, even inspiring a famous seventies song titled “Viva la Pappa al Pomodoro” by Rita Pavone. Today, the dish is still celebrated for its rich flavor and its reflection of how Tuscans value simplicity and a zero-waste approach.

Ribollita, Tuscany’s Iconic Re-boiled Soup

Ribollita dates back to the Middle Ages and is considered one of the most authentic dishes from the region. The name means re-boiled, because the soup was traditionally prepared in large batches and reheated over several days, which made the flavors deeper and more satisfying.

Its history is tied to the feudal system. Nobles would eat off large pieces of stale bread called trenchers, and peasants would save these leftovers, boil them with vegetables from their gardens, and create a warm, filling meal for their families. Over time, the recipe evolved, but core ingredients such as stale unsalted bread, black cabbage, and seasonal vegetables remain essential.

Today, Ribollita is enjoyed in both rustic trattorias and fine dining restaurants. It is a symbol of Tuscan heritage and the belief that the best dishes are often the simplest.

Visit Us and Taste Tuscany

We invite you to stop by the store, discover these soups, and explore the products that make Italian cooking so unique. At Zona Little Italy, we are proud to bring you the foods and traditions that keep Italy close to your kitchen.