Tomato Soup
Tomato soup is a timeless comfort food that warms your soul and tantalizes your taste buds. This simple yet delicious recipe brings out the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes, enhanced by aromatic herbs and spices. Perfect as a starter or a light meal, you can enjoy it with crusty bread or a fresh salad. Follow this guide for a delightful tomato soup experience that will elevate your culinary skills and impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cans of crushed tomatoes)
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes about 4 servings. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, with a cooking time of around 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1 cup): Calories: 150, Protein: 3g, Carbohydrates: 20g, Fat: 7g, Fiber: 2g. This nutritional information is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add chopped tomatoes and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
5. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
6. Stir in sugar, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
7. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
8. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
9. If desired, stir in heavy cream for a richer flavor.
10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute fresh tomatoes with canned tomatoes for convenience. For a vegan option, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or omit it entirely.
Serving and Pairings
Tomato soup pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or a fresh garden salad. It can also be topped with croutons or a dollop of pesto for added flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover tomato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave. The soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat before serving.
Cooking Mistakes
– Don’t skip sautéing the onions and garlic; it enhances flavor.
– Avoid overcooking the tomatoes; they should be softened, not mushy.
– Balance acidity with sugar to avoid overly tart soup.
– Blend until smooth for a creamy texture.
– Adjust seasoning after blending for the best taste.
Helpful Tips
– Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
– Fresh herbs can enhance the soup’s aroma.
– Experiment with spices like paprika for a unique twist.
– Serve with a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned tomatoes are a great alternative and can save time. Choose high-quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor.
How can I make tomato soup vegan?
Simply omit the heavy cream or replace it with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative.
What herbs pair well with tomato soup?
Basil, oregano, and thyme are excellent choices that complement the flavors of tomato soup beautifully.
Can I add vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Carrots, bell peppers, or spinach can be added for extra nutrition and flavor.
How do I thicken my tomato soup?
You can thicken the soup by simmering it longer to reduce the liquid or adding a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.
Conclusion
Tomato soup is a delightful dish that combines simplicity and flavor. It’s perfect for any season, whether enjoyed hot in winter or chilled in summer. With this easy recipe, you can create a comforting bowl of goodness that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Enjoy every spoonful of this timeless classic!
Tomato Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups fresh tomatoes chopped (or 2 cans of crushed tomatoes)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup heavy cream optional
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add chopped tomatoes and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Stir in sugar, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- If desired, stir in heavy cream for a richer flavor.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
