Tomato soup recipe
Tomato soup is a delicious and popular soup made with tomatoes and other ingredients such as broth, cream, onions, and garlic. It can be enjoyed on its own or served with bread or croutons for added texture and flavor.
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Tomato soup has been a staple in many cultures around the world, with different variations of the recipe that use different ingredients and spices. It's a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as lycopene, which is an antioxidant that can help protect against certain types of cancer.
In addition to its nutritional benefits, tomato soup is also easy to make and can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer a creamy version or a more rustic, chunky soup, there's a tomato soup recipe out there for you.
How to Make Tomato Soup
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
1 cup vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, basil, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 15 minutes.
Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth (or transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth).
Stir in the heavy cream (if using) and let simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Optional: You can also add other seasonings or vegetables such as carrots or celery for added flavor and nutrition.
Serving Tomato Soup
Tomato soup can be served in a variety of ways depending on personal preference and occasion. Here are some ideas:
In a bowl: The most common way to serve tomato soup is in a bowl, often with a garnish such as croutons, fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or a swirl of cream.
With bread: Tomato soup pairs well with crusty bread, such as a baguette or sourdough. You can serve bread slices on the side or cut them into cubes or croutons to float on top of the soup.
With grilled cheese: Grilled cheese and tomato soup is a classic pairing. Cut a grilled cheese sandwich into strips or squares and serve on the side or dip them into the soup.
In a bread bowl: For a fun and festive presentation, you can hollow out a bread loaf and fill it with tomato soup. This creates a hearty and filling meal that's perfect for colder weather.
As a sauce: Tomato soup can also be used as a sauce for pasta or other dishes. Simply reduce the soup until it thickens and toss with cooked pasta or drizzle over grilled chicken or fish.
No matter how you choose to serve it, tomato soup is a comforting and delicious meal that's perfect for any time of year.
Expert Tips
Here are some expert tips to help you make the perfect tomato soup:
Use high-quality tomatoes: The quality of your tomatoes will affect the flavor of your soup. Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best results.
Use a variety of tomatoes: Using a combination of tomato varieties, such as Roma and vine-ripened, can add depth of flavor to your soup.
Sweat the onions and garlic: Cooking the onions and garlic until they are soft and translucent will help develop their flavor and prevent them from being raw in the finished soup.
Don't overcook the soup: Overcooking tomato soup can cause the flavor to become bitter and the texture to become mushy. Cook the soup until the tomatoes are soft, but still retain their shape.
Add cream at the end: If you are using cream in your soup, add it at the end of the cooking process to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
Season to taste: Tomato soup can be enhanced with a variety of seasonings, such as fresh herbs, spices, or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. Taste the soup as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
By following these expert tips, you can create a delicious and flavorful tomato soup that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
FAQs
Q: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes for tomato soup?
A: Yes, you can use canned tomatoes for tomato soup. Use high-quality canned tomatoes without any added salt or seasoning for the best flavor.
Q: Can I make tomato soup without cream\
A: Yes, you can make tomato soup without cream. If you prefer a dairy-free soup, simply omit the cream or substitute it with a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk.
Q: Can I make tomato soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make tomato soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm the soup over low heat until heated through.
Q: Can I add meat to tomato soup?
A: Yes, you can add meat to tomato soup, such as cooked chicken, ground beef, or Italian sausage. Simply brown the meat in a separate pan and add it to the soup during the final few minutes of cooking.
Q: How can I make tomato soup thicker?
A: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a roux (a mixture of flour and butter) or a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the soup. Simply whisk in the roux or cornstarch mixture and continue to cook the soup until it thickens to your liking.
Q: Can I use an immersion blender to blend the soup?
A: Yes, an immersion blender is a convenient tool to use for blending the soup directly in the pot. Just be sure to use caution when blending hot liquids and keep the blender immersed in the soup at all times to avoid splatters.:
QCan I use other vegetables besides tomatoes for a tomato soup?
A: While tomatoes are the traditional base for tomato soup, you can add other vegetables to the mix to create a more complex flavor profile. For example, you can add carrots, celery, onions, garlic, or bell peppers to the soup. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and seasoning as needed to ensure that the flavors blend well together.
Q: How can I make tomato soup spicy?
A: If you like your tomato soup spicy, you can add hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeño peppers to the soup. Start with a small amount and adjust the spice level to your liking.
Q: Can I make tomato soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can make tomato soup in a slow cooker. Simply combine the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Once the soup is cooked, you can use an immersion blender to blend it until smooth.
Q: Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock in tomato soup?
A: Yes, you can use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock in tomato soup. Vegetable stock will create a lighter, fresher flavor that complements the tomatoes well. Alternatively, you can use water or a combination of water and tomato juice.
Q: Can I make tomato soup without a blender?
A: Yes, you can make tomato soup without a blender. Simply mash the cooked tomatoes with a fork or potato masher until they reach your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can strain the soup through a fine mesh sieve to remove any chunks of tomato.
recipe card
Nutrition information (per serving):
Calories: 195
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 28mg
Sodium: 517mg
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 9g
Protein: 4g
Note: Nutrition information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used.
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