It’s going to be a one way ticket this time. While we’ve flown that direction several times and I’ve even spent my childhood there, this time it’s different. Life plays funny games, takes you up and down paths that are different and exciting. It’s been almost 16 years – 16 grand years here in Germany and now the time has come to say goodbye – for a while at least.
When I left Doha, Qatar almost 16 years ago, never did I think I would return again. My parents moved to Dubai shortly after I came here and although I visited Dubai after that very often, never did I have the opportunity to return to Doha. This time I have a one way ticket – Weimar to Doha and accompanying me is my family.
The region is a buzz and in Tom’s field there is a lot happening. Once in a life time projects and exciting research, so the offer Tom got was quite irresistible and we decided we had to rock with it. Tom leaves in June and Soeren and I will follow end of July.
Till then we have a lot to do – you can imagine – but because a big move like this is not enough of excitement, hectic and emotional, Tom and I decided to take it up a notch and renew our vows! More about that in another post.
I have been going through a funny roller coaster ride of emotions, giddy highs and miserable lows. There are days when I can hardly wait to get out of bed to tackle the next chore on my list. Then there are days when I just want to pull the covers over my head and stay in bed all day – anything but not have the thought of leaving.
There’s no turning back though – Soeren has been accepted to his new school in Doha, we’ve made lists of everything we want to sell. Several of the things have been sold and as each piece leaves the house it leaves not only a visual gap behind. The cleft in my heart grows too. At the same time though my pulse races with excitement at the new venture.
I’ll be leaving behind cherished memories and some of the most fantastic friends. I hate that! Why can’t I take my friends with me? Soeren too, will leave behind so much. He loves his school and is one of the most popular kids at the school. His buddies actually came to me in tears the day Soeren told them. So, the question has been asked – why? Why take a flourishing plant, rip it out and plant it in another place without knowing if it will flourish as well there?
As a family unit this move is a big step forward. For Tom it means working on a challenging and exciting project, for Soeren it means having the opportunity to go to one of the best schools and gather the same experience I did, getting to know different cultures and meeting people from all over the world. For me it means having the opportunity to be closer to my parents again and gathering more international work experience. Not to mention we will be living by the ocean and a step closer to my fantasy world!
In terms of food, Qatar will be quite exciting. Although, there are certain issues that do not fit in my bigger picture, for example organic products are not readily available, almost everything is flown in from everywhere in the world and regionally grown/produced products are minimal, I am still looking forward to things like the plethora of fresh fish and seafood, Alfonso mangoes and the Indian/Arabic cuisine to name just a few. What I am really looking forward to are the colorful and wonderful spice, vegetable and meat markets - I can't wait to share my adventures with you.
This little blog space has become my island, where I can come and be creative and share my thoughts regardless of where I am in the world. For this I am happy because I can take you where ever I go! As the weeks go by I might not be able to come around here as often as I would like to and I might not be able to visit you to leave comments and share my enthusiasm on your creations. Whenever I can steal some time I will be back to update you on the latest.
The recipe today is a gorgeous, hearty Tuscan soup known as Pappa al pomodoro. A mix of deliciously roasted cherry tomatoes and canned Roma tomatoes with a good helping of olive oil and fresh basil give the soup its fresh flavor. It fits in perfectly with the current weather - somewhere between Winter and Spring. I have used organic wholegrain spelt bread in the soup, the spelt grains adding a great bite to it. Traditionally however it is made with stale peasant bread. You can try this with any bread you like just stay away from factory produced white bread. This is a recipe where the quality of products play a large role so try and get your hands on the juiciest tomatoes, best olive oil and the heartiest bread you can find. You won't be sorry.
Pappa Al Pomodoro – Tuscan Tomato and Bread Soup
Printable version of recipe here.
Ingredients
500g juicy, ripe cherry tomatoes, cut in halves
800g good quality canned Roma tomatoes
500g good quality wholegrain bread, a day old and cut into small cubes
3-4 garlic cloves, finely sliced
1 bunch of basil, finely chopped
Lots of extra virgin olive oil
Fleur de sel
Black peppercorns, groundMethod
- Pre-heat the oven to approx. 175-180 degrees C.
- In a large bowl add the cherry tomato halves, 1 sliced garlic clove, a drizzle of the olive oil, a pinch of Fleur de sel and pepper and a quarter of the basil. Toss well then spread out evenly on a baking tray. Gently roast the tomatoes for 20- 25 minutes to bring out the intense flavor of the tomatoes.
- In a large pot, heat up some olive oil. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, then pour in the canned Roma tomatoes complete with the juices. Coarsely mash the tomatoes with the back of a wooden spoon. Add approx. 350-400 ml of water and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Throw in the bread cubes and the basil leaves, setting some for decoration aside. Season the soup to taste, giving the whole thing a good stir.
- Once the cherry tomatoes are nicely roasted and caramelized add them, along with the roasted garlic and oil, to the soup. Make sure you scrape off all the bits stuck to the tray and add them to the soup too.
- Stir the soup well. The consistency of this soup should be thick with almost a creamy texture. If your bread had bits of grains or seeds in it you should have a more porridge kind of texture. You can adjust the consistency to your liking by adding more water, should you find it too thick.
- Serve in individual bowls with a sprinkling of chopped basil leaves.
Sauté some sliced garlic and chopped chili in olive oil until fragrant. Spoon the perfumed oil over the warm soup and enjoy.
Verdict
Pappa al pomodore loosely translated means mushy tomato soup .This thick stew-like soup is a staple in the Tuscan region, where the typical Italian housewife usually threw the soup together to use up any leftover bread - it was not something that was served to guests. Nowadays it is very much en vogue and can be found on restaurant menus all over the world. I love the simplicity of this dish and if I do not have any stale bread around and get a craving for the soup I will buy a fresh loaf and allow it to sit for a day - just for the soup. Both Tom and Soeren love the lovely freshness and rich tomato flavor of the soup. It’s just right for a quick dinner and even better with lots of friends and bottles of Chianti!
You might like these soups from WFLH:
Ginger Carrot Soup with lemon Cream | Spicy Roasted Tomatoes and Red Bell Pepper Soup | Red Bell Pepper Soup |
From around the blogs:
- Spiced parsnip and Tomato Soup – Real Epicurean
- Sweet Potato-Leek Soup – Cupcake Muffin
- Creamy Leek Soup with Baby Spinach and Shrimps – Lucullian Delights
Eco Friendly Home Keeping written by Dee
All photographs and written content on What's For Lunch, Honey? © 2006-2009 Meeta Khurana unless otherwise indicated. | All rights reserved | Please Ask First
Exciting!! Totally agree with the uprooting part.. but hey, there isn't anything as invigorating as change!
ReplyDeletegood luck with the move. awesome soup :)
Good luck with your move Meeta! I am sure you will find just as many exciting avenues in Doha. I'll miss you when you are away, but the thought of the new goodies awaiting us in the coming months will keep me company :) Take care & Hugs!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous soup, perfect for the plump tomatoes sitting on my counter.
Exciting times for you indeed. Best wishes and I hope everything goes well.
ReplyDeleteThat is one gorgeous soup. Your family is going to be lucky to have you close by!
Incredibly beautiful and so appetizing! A delicious soup!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Rosa
Congratulations and good luck, Meeta! I moved a lot in my childhood years-- and I am glad I did. Got to see a lot, gain an appreciation for diversity, and well, bond even more with my mom through our travels. I'm sure Soeren will love your new adventure, and benefit from it.
ReplyDeleteLife is such an adventure and this is going to be VERY exciting for all. It seems too bad that loss is always part of the adventure and excitement.
ReplyDeleteA great soup like this one will give great comfort. This is one of my very favorite soups.
looks yummy...
ReplyDeleteThis look delicious!
ReplyDeleteI only wish the weather here was a little colder so that I could make it!
Hannah
that looks perfect for a cold rainy day as today! :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your move Meeta! I look forward to hearing all about it and following you on your new adventures in Doha. I'm glad you're able to grasp at the positive things about this move...too many times we focus on the negatives as humans. Love the soup too...the addition f spelt bread gives it a wonderful nutty taste.
ReplyDeleteMeeta,
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your new venture, I know changes are hard but that's what keep life more exciting and adventerous. Renewing vows is so cute and romantic way to say good bye.Don't forget to post pics
I can understand Soeren's feelings but new venture is ahead for him. I am sure he will enjoy the new life too once he makes new buddies. What an experience it will be for him! I am are you are happy but sad to leave Germany too, you get to be nearer to your parents at last! :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy. You will not have to see the snow for a while there in Doha! ;D
Soup looks fab.
How very, very exciting!
ReplyDeleteI believe it is phenomenal that you take this big step with such a good foundation - renewing the vows speaks volumes about the fact that you will be successful even if everything around you changes. Your family will be strong enough.
All the best, good luck with everything.
Alexandra
Of course we are all so excited for you, and we (your blog family) will be here whenever you need us. xoxo
ReplyDeleteMoves are exciting & difficult.. Good luck Meeta. Will to hear all about it... Good Luck till then!
ReplyDeleteLove this soup.. had made it a couple of days back.
Good luck on the move!
ReplyDeleteRecipes sounds delicious and the photos are awesome!
This is awesome! Tomatoey, but heartier than the standard soup. I often don't eat tomato soup because I need something more substantial, but this will get the job done! Can't wait to try it!
ReplyDeleteLove it, love it!
ReplyDeletegood luck with the move!
ReplyDeleteI am very excited for all of you. It is very difficult to leave a place behind and move... I've done it a 1000 times and it never gets easier.
ReplyDeleteLovely soup.
Good luck with the move. I am sure you have loads to look forward to.
Welcome to the Middle East, Meeta.
ReplyDeleteYou are going to have a fab time here, I am sure!
What a life changing move for you all - may it be filled with fun, joy and adventure! Btw - I'm glad you're taking us all with you because I love Middle Eastern food :)
ReplyDeleteReding your post i feel excited for you.
ReplyDeleteI am so happyfor you andtom and soreen andalso youwllbe vloser to your parents too, which is a added bonus.
Wishing you allthe best and the soup looks so so yumm.
Good luck with the move and new adventures, Meeta. I am sure you will have more exciting things and fun to look forward to in Doha. I am so glad to see how positive u r about your move! You will be missed by when you are away but we will look forward to warm sunshine that u will share with us from Doha:) hugs to u...
ReplyDeleteand that's one gorgeous bowl of hearty soup. perfect one to make my day bright on a gloomy, grey days like this.
All the best , dear Meeta, to the three of you, with the move. I know, it's hard to leave behind the familiar, but there is always excitement in new ventures, as long as you've got your loved ones by your side :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd that is a gorgeous bowl of soup :-)
Take care,
Sunita
Oh Meeta! you know how big a fan I am of yours! Not the one to leave to comment behind but always in love with your blog.
ReplyDeleteI was secretly hoping from the time I read about the move that it should be Bangalore, India.. :-D I went on to convince myself that Tom must be in IT may be SAP or whatever.. and finally I will see you and hopefully see the magic in Kitchen. Nevertheless! I am glad you will be closer to your parents.
Wishing you the best.
hearty congrats on the move....it does take a lot of strength to make a move....especially when when gets rooted for as long a time as you have been.....
ReplyDeleteas for your tomato soup it looks absolutely gorgeous and i feel like tasting it thru the screen.....i have some white patches on my back when someone told me that the reason cud be that i was allergic to tomatoes i was devastated cos i so love tomatoes both raw and cooked....but the doctor tells me that its just dry skin coz of the dry cold weather
BEST OF LUCK, MEETA!!!
ReplyDeleteLooooove the comforting soup & bread combination.
I can't help but feel the excitement of moving...can't help it, I've got itchy feet!
ReplyDeleteLovely soup!!
Good luck with your move and in the new home.
ReplyDeleteNice soup!
H
All the best for the move Meeta. I kind of guessed that is where you were going.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to all the color from Doha
And the soup is awesome as usual
Good Luck with your move Meeta!
ReplyDeleteDelicious homey soup. A reminder of home no matter where you're living.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your move! I am kind of jealous because I have lived in the same town I grew up in my whole life! I've moved to a few different houses, but within the radius of a few miles...I've always dreamed of someday living somewhere where I don't know anyone, and starting new. So what a great experience for your son too!
ReplyDeleteHow fun and exciting for you.
ReplyDeleteThis is an absolutely beautiful soup...I mean beautiful.
Thank you so much for all the best wishes. You all touched my heart with your words. Thanks. I am so glad to have this "blog family" Hugs!
ReplyDeleteMoving is always exciting - good luck!! And this soup looks perfect for these last cold days we are having here!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great post! This soup was just what I was looking for. As usual, your photography is stunning
ReplyDeleteAnd congratulations on your big move. It sounds very exciting.
Best wishes.
Wishing you all the very best in such a wonderful adventure you and your family are about to embark on. It is always good to be able to spread your wings and soar so high up. Life will be wonderful, yes you will miss your friends and familiar things but the new things you will see and do will make you feel alive.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos, and a wonderful soup.
Good luck with move Meeta! I am very excited for you! Will look forward to all the cooking you will be doing from a different part of the world!
ReplyDeleteI agree that this is delicious...I cooked it recently, too ( http://www.realepicurean.com/2009/01/papa-al-pomodoro-recipe/ ).
ReplyDeleteYours looks just as (if not more) delicious though!
Well, I believe wherever you go, you will always bring your sunshine with you and give us entertained with your talents and great photos. Good luck, my dear friend!
ReplyDeleteYou know muy friend was just asking me if I had a recipe for this and I said no. Guess I can go back and say yes. Thanks for the recipe.
ReplyDeleteHave a smooth move.
Good luck with the move, Meeta!
ReplyDeleteI know wherever you go, you will share the warmth and sunshine that reflects in your writings and pictures.
Supriya
Oh, this issue of moving and uprooting is so close to my heart. I grew up in various parts of the Gulf and now live in the States. As a couple, we are thinking of moving soon to Canada and my one regret is not having kids to experience the kind of global lifestyle I have been privileged with so far :)
ReplyDeleteHow exciting for your son and what wonderful perspectives he will get !!!
Love the blog and the recipe.
I'm so glad to have found your blog--and just in time for your move. Your blog is so wonderful. I can't wait to keep reading more. This soup looks especially delicious. Good luck with your move! What an exciting time!!
ReplyDeleteMeeta, even though I've became your reader only few months ago, you became part of my food blogging/searching/appetite online fullfilling. I'm sure the moving is hard and there will be challenges to overcome, but we will meet again on the land of the internet with your blog family that will be here when you need us.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with everything!
Im drooling wth that photos and the one pot soup yummy..
ReplyDeleteMeeeta deel in love with ur new look of the blog.. very nice;y done.
i am SUPER excited to see the new adventures you take us on.....be sure to take lots of pictures!
ReplyDeleteHi Meeta, been an ardent fan of your blog..but leaving a comment for the first time..coz this subject is close to my heart...i can only understand your gamut of emotions you must be going throiugh..
ReplyDeletebut i am sure this will be an excellent oppurtunity to learn exciting things....
all the best..
if you dont mind my asking....how did Soeren take to this initially? was he ok with it from the word go? no! i understand..how did u make him understand?
in a profession like mine..we live a nomadic life..and I have to prepare my lil one to such things and so this quesption...
That must have been tough, deciding to move, but I can see you are excited about it all the same. All the Best with the move, especially to Soeren!
ReplyDeletethe soup look really gorgeous, and totally worth making this weekend!!
ReplyDeletebtw, the new look and design looks awesome Meeta! sorry for being a bit out of touch, but hope your move is going on smoothly!:)
The soup looks gorgeous and Good luck on the move! :)
ReplyDeleteYour dish looks and sounds delicious!
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the best in your latest adventure with the family.
Paz xoxo
Good luck with your move, Meeta. And it will definitely be fun exploring the possiblities even though you miss what you've got used to.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who has moved quite a few times, I have a good idea what the whole thing is like.
But you can always take a vacation to visit Germany.:)
good luck with your move - I am sure it will be interesting times for you and family but you must be excited about being close to your parents - and I am sure they are equally excited especially to have the chance to see Soren regularly as he grows up!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with this major change in your life. The most difficult thing about it must be leaving cherished friends behind.
ReplyDeleteMeeta,
ReplyDeleteI love the new look on your blog and wish you the very best on your move!
Hugs,
Chandrika
Your photo is amazing.... wow...the recipe looks great as well... :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations and best wishes for your move - I'm sure that you will be able to take things in hand and settle down and more importantly, settle your family down and make your new house a warm and comfortable home - one where they will walk in and ask as usual "whats for lunch, honey?" :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Miri
"Tuscan" seems to have become just another way for restaurants to encourage a "fad" when all they are doing is serving the same old tired stuff.
ReplyDeleteIts so refreshing then to see the real thing here - a gorgeous soup using fresh ingredients and keeping it simple as it is meant to be - thanks!
Thanks for the link! This soup looks really yummy--I may just have to try it before it gets all warm and not-soup-weather-anymore on me. :)
ReplyDeleteI love tomato soup and this one looks really good!
ReplyDeleteGreat looking soup! I'd better get to making it before the warm weather disappears and takes the fresh tomatoes with it.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for all these best wishes and support. Means a lot and somehow knowing you are with me all the time makes it a bit easier.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are enjoying the soup!
I lived on this soup while I lived in Siena, Italy in college. The simplicity of the ingredients is amazing, but the taste is out of this world!
ReplyDeleteUprooting is so hard... but the changes it brings can be so rewarding! I look forward to sharing your journey of discovery on your blog. This soup looks just heavenly - so simply delicious. My husband would LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteSometimes cooking is so funny.
ReplyDeleteI made such a soup because i had stale bread and made the dish by *accident*
I did not know until know that this was an actual dish.
Mh, roasted tomatoes...i had a hard time to resist snacking them before i could add them to the dish.
How do you always make so amazing pictures of your food?