Make-Ahead Mushroom Tomato Bread Soup

Ingredients

serves Serves 2 to 3, active time 35 minutes, total time 35 minutes

• 1 (6-inch) ciabatta loaf or any stale bread, torn into 1-inch chunks (about 2 cups torn bread)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• Kosher salt
• 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 12 ounces cremini mushrooms, halved if small, quartered if very large
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken stock, plus 1 more cup as needed
• Freshly ground black pepper

Procedures

1. Heat oven to 300 degrees F. Spread bread onto baking sheet and bake until dried but not browned, 15 to 20 minutes. Meanwhile, heat olive oil over medium heat in medium saucepan. Add onions, season with salt, and cook until translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Deglaze with vinegar and cook until liquid is almost evaporated, 1 to 2 minutes. Add mushrooms, turn heat to medium-high, and cook, stirring, until softened, moisture has evaporated, and mushrooms begin to brown, 5 to 8 minutes.
   
2. Stir in tomatoes and cinnamon, followed by chicken stock. Simmer until warmed through, 2 to 3 minutes, then stir in bread and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes more, stirring to soften bread. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Add more chicken stock if thinner consistency is desired. Serve immediately or let cool and refrigerate overnight. To serve the next day, reheat in the microwave or stovetop, adding extra stock or water to loosen consistency as desired.