Pane cotto

01 / ABOUT THE DISH

About the dish

Pane cotto or pancotto is a traditional soup that spans almost every region in the country, but it's especially popular in Veneto. The name means cooked bread, referring to the key ingredient – stale bread. Other ingredients include fresh herbs, garlic, beans, water or stock, chili peppers, grated cheese, and vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, celery, and onions. This simple and comforting peasant dish was originally prepared only with stale bread cooked in water with garlic, but over time, as new ingredients such as tomatoes became available, the soup transformed, and nowadays it incorporates local staples such as seasonal vegetables and cheeses. Pancotto is served hot, and it's also good to eat for the next few days, whether cold or reheated.