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 (1/2" thick slices)
 * 4 	tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
 * 1/2 	cup onions, diced
 * 5 	cloves garlic, crushed and coarsely chopped
 * 1/4 	teaspoon red pepper flakes, crushed
 * 4 	pepperoncini peppers, chopped
 * 16 	plum tomatoes, skinned, seeded and cut into 1/2 (about 4 cups)
 * 4 	cups beef stock or beef broth
 * 12 	leaves fresh basil, torn into 1 (leaves)
 * 1/2 	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 min.
 * Heat olive oil in a 5 quart pot over medium heat, add onions and cook for 3-4 min or untill they begin to soften.
 * Add the garlic and crushed red pepper and continue to cook, stirring, for an additional 5 minutes or untill 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 occassionally.
 * Season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle into soup bowls and drizzle with olive oil, garnish with crumbled gorganzola.