How to Boil Water

Plus, a good use for old bread

Photo: Aya Brackett

This Mediterranean classic, as ancient and almost as simple as boiling, is the quintessential beginner’s or just-plain-basic soup. It’s one you’ll cook forever.

The thick-sliced bread transforms both the bread and the soup into something heartier and satisfying. While it’s fine and even preferable to use old bread, the better the bread, the better the outcome (though that’s true for most ingredients).

“Boiled Water”

Makes: 4 servings
Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 to 10 cloves garlic, lightly crushed
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 thick slices French or Italian bread (slightly stale bread is fine)
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino Romano cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnish

Instructions

Combine 4 cups water with the garlic, bay leaf, and some salt and pepper in a saucepan or stockpot. Bring to a boil, cover partially, and turn the heat to very low. Let the liquid bubble gently for 15 minutes.