Ah, tomato soup! There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of it. I remember the first time I tackled a tomato soup recipe—it was a blustery afternoon, and the rain drummed against the windows like a rhythmic symphony. Armed with a few tomatoes, some herbs, and a desire for something cozy, I dove in. What I ended up with was a delightful creation that transcended the mundane, earning its cherished place in my kitchen.
Why you’ll love this recipe
So, what is it about this tomato soup that makes it worthy of your time? First off, it’s not just any tomato soup; it packs a twist that elevates it to heavenly status. Picture this: ripe tomatoes—sweet and tangy—melded with aromatic spices and a hint of creaminess that dances on your palate. It’s a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication, making it suitable for a casual lunch or an elegant dinner with friends.
Not to mention, this recipe is a fantastic way to sneak in some nutrients. Tomatoes are bursting with vitamins and antioxidants, so every spoonful offers a health benefit, and the addition of fresh basil not only adds flavor but also ups the aroma. And did I mention it’s a breeze to whip up? You can have this soup on the table in about 30 minutes. Trust me; once you master this soup, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again, delighting friends and family alike!
Gather these ingredients
Now, let’s talk about what you need for this masterpiece. Each ingredient has its role, and I promise they work together like a well-rehearsed team.
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Ripe Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes are the star here! Choose vibrant, organic ones for a burst of flavor. You can also use canned tomatoes in a pinch—just make sure they’re whole and of high quality.
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Onion: This humble vegetable adds depth and sweetness. A yellow onion works beautifully, but if you fancy a bit of zest, try a red onion.
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Garlic: Garlic is the aromatic backbone of this soup. It brings an irresistible fragrance that wafts through your kitchen.
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Vegetable or Chicken Stock: Choose your base wisely! Homemade stock makes all the difference, but store-bought works in a pinch. For a richer flavor, opt for low-sodium varieties.
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Basil: Fresh basil is a must! It adds that fresh, herby lift that truly distinguishes one bowl from another. If fresh isn’t available, dried basil can substitute, but the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant.
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Cream: Just a splash gives the soup a luxuriously smooth finish. You can use heavy cream, half-and-half, or even a splash of coconut milk for a vegan version.
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Spices: We’ll bring in some salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Maybe even a dash of smoked paprika if you’re feeling adventurous!
The cooking process explained
Alright, so now let’s get our hands a little dirty and dive into the culinary magic of making this soup!
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Prep Your Veggies: Start by dicing your onion and mincing the garlic. Slice those beautiful tomatoes but don’t stress about making them perfect; rustic is the name of the game here.
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Sautéing: Heat a good glug of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the onions and sauté until they’re golden and soft—around 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this part; you want to coax out the natural sweetness!
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Garlic Time: Add in that minced garlic and cook for another minute. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s fragrant and smells like heaven.
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Tomato Party: In go the tomatoes! Let them mingle with the onions and garlic for about 5 minutes. This is where the magic happens. Toss in your spices and stir.
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Broth, Please: Pour in your stock and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for about 15 minutes to let all those flavors intertwine and deepen.
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Blend It Up: Here’s the fun part! Use an immersion blender for a smooth consistency, or transfer in batches to a regular blender. Be careful—hot soup can be tricky!
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Final Touch: Return the blended soup to a pot, and stir in your cream and fresh basil. Taste it, adjust the seasoning, and let it warm through once more.
Best way to enjoy it
Serving tomato soup is an art in itself! You can ladle it into a cozy bowl and finish with a sprig of basil on top. Pair it with a crunchy grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting classic combo. Croutons, a sprinkle of cheese, or even a swirl of pesto can add an extra touch of elegance.
If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. The contrast of flavors will bring your meal together beautifully!
Storage and reheating tips
Now, let’s chat about leftovers. If you happen to have any (though I doubt it!), you can store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For long-term storage, freeze it in portions—just make sure to leave some room for expansion. When you’re ready to indulge again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over low heat. Stir occasionally and warm it gently; you want to keep all those flavors intact!
Pro chef tips
Want to elevate your soup even further? Here are a few tips!
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Roasting Tomatoes: If you have time, roast your tomatoes in the oven before adding them. The caramelization deepens the flavor beautifully.
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Fresh Herbs: Consider adding fresh thyme or oregano. They give a different flavor profile and make the soup even more vibrant.
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Texture Magic: If you like a chunkier soup, reserve a portion of the chopped tomatoes and add them back in after blending.
Creative Twists
Feeling a little adventurous? Here are some variations to try!
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Spicy Kick: Add roasted red peppers or a dash of chipotle chili powder for a smoky heat. It’s a game-changer!
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Herb Variations: Swap basil for cilantro or dill if you’re in the mood for a fresh twist. Each herb brings its unique charm to the soup.
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Cheesy Delight: Mix in some grated Parmesan or crumbled feta right before serving for cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
- Ripe tomatoes
- Onion
- Garlic
- Vegetable or chicken stock
- Fresh basil
- Cream
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
Directions to follow
- Dice onion and mince garlic; slice tomatoes.
- Heat olive oil in a pot; sauté onions until golden, 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic; cook for 1 minute.
- Add tomatoes, spices; sauté for 5 minutes.
- Pour in stock; simmer for 15 minutes.
- Blend until smooth.
- Return to pot; stir in cream and basil. Warm through.
Your questions answered
- How long does it take to prepare? About 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Can I use canned tomatoes? Absolutely! Canned tomatoes work great and save time.
- Is it possible to make it vegan? Yes, swap cream for coconut milk and use vegetable stock.
- What should I serve with it? Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic; croutons add crunch!
- Can I freeze the soup? Yes, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months!
Comfort in a bowl. That’s what this soup is! It’s warm, inviting, and tastes a little like home. As you stir it on the stovetop, imagine all the cozy evenings ahead of you, filled with laughter and shared stories. I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a whirl! Play with it, make it yours, and let me know how it turns out. Happy cooking!
Delicious Tomato Soup with a Twist
Description
This tomato soup blends ripe tomatoes with aromatic spices and a hint of creaminess for a delightful meal, perfect for both casual lunches and elegant dinners.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Directions
Preparation
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Prepare the Ingredients
Dice onion, mince garlic, and slice tomatoes.Don’t worry about making the tomato slices perfect; rustic is fine.
Cooking
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Sauté Onions
Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onions until golden, about 5-7 minutes.This step helps to bring out the natural sweetness of onions. -
Add Garlic
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant. -
Mix in Tomatoes and Spices
Add sliced tomatoes and the spices to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes. -
Add Stock and Simmer
Pour in the stock and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15 minutes.This allows the flavors to meld together. -
Blend the Soup
Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until smooth.Be cautious as the soup is hot. -
Finish the Soup
Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in cream and fresh basil. Warm through.Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 250kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 17g27%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 40mg14%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Potassium 800mg23%
- Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 10g
- Protein 5g10%
- Vitamin A 1000 IU
- Vitamin C 25 mg
- Calcium 150 mg
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
