Skip to content
Home » Tomato Soup Recipe

Tomato Soup Recipe





Ultimate Tomato Soup Recipe

Description

Tomato soup is a timeless comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. Its rich, velvety texture and tangy-sweet flavor make it a favorite among all age groups. This recipe highlights the best of what tomato soup has to offer, using fresh ingredients and a few simple steps to create a dish that’s both easy to prepare and deeply flavorful. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick lunch, this tomato soup pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches or a side salad.

What sets this tomato soup recipe apart is the use of fresh, ripe tomatoes, complemented by aromatic herbs and a touch of cream for added richness. The result is a soup that is both hearty and refreshing, offering a perfect balance of flavors that will delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups (about 8 large) ripe tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Detailed Ingredient Information

Let’s break down the ingredients to understand their roles in this delicious tomato soup recipe:

  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic, adding a subtle depth of flavor.
  • Onion and Garlic: These aromatics form the base of the soup, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
  • Ripe Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes provide the main flavor and texture for the soup. The riper the tomatoes, the sweeter and more flavorful the soup will be.
  • Canned Crushed Tomatoes: Adds a concentrated tomato flavor, enhancing the soup’s richness.
  • Vegetable Broth: Provides a savory base for the soup. Use low-sodium broth to control the salt content.
  • Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a slight sweetness.
  • Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a more rounded flavor.
  • Dried Basil and Oregano: These herbs add a classic Italian flavor that complements the tomatoes.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds a rich, creamy texture to the soup, making it more luxurious.
  • Fresh Basil Leaves: Used as a garnish, adding a fresh, aromatic touch.

Instructions Step-by-Step for Ultimate Tomato Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  1. Begin by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
  2. Chop the ripe tomatoes into small pieces, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Tomatoes

  1. Add the chopped fresh tomatoes to the pot. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to break down.
  2. Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.

Step 4: Season the Soup

  1. Add the sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to incorporate the seasonings evenly.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Blend the Soup

  1. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth. Be careful with the hot liquid.
  2. Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Heat the soup gently over low heat until warmed through.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt or pepper to suit your taste.
  2. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Tips and Variations for Tomato Soup

  • Roasted Tomatoes: For a deeper flavor, roast the tomatoes in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil before adding them to the soup. This will enhance the sweetness and add a smoky depth.
  • Spicy Tomato Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick.
  • Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley to vary the flavor profile.
  • Vegan Option: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to make the soup vegan-friendly.
  • Grilled Cheese Croutons: Serve the soup with grilled cheese sandwiches cut into crouton-sized pieces for a fun and delicious twist.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour

This recipe is relatively quick and straightforward, making it a great option for a satisfying meal any day of the week.

Nutritional Information

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 3g

These nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Curiosities and Historical Facts about Tomato Soup

Tomato soup has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. It became particularly popular in the United States when Joseph Campbell, co-founder of the Campbell Soup Company, introduced condensed tomato soup in 1897. This innovation made it possible to transport and store soup easily, leading to its widespread popularity.

Originally, tomato soup was a simple dish made with just tomatoes, water, and seasonings. Over time, it has evolved to include various ingredients and methods, creating the rich, creamy versions we enjoy today. The addition of cream and herbs has turned this humble dish into a gourmet experience.

In the culinary world, tomato soup is often paired with grilled cheese sandwiches, a combination that gained popularity during the Great Depression. This pairing provided a nutritious and affordable meal for many families. Today, it remains a beloved comfort food combination, cherished for its simplicity and satisfying flavors.

Tomato soup is also a staple in many cultures around the world, each with its unique twist. In Spain, Gazpacho is a cold tomato soup that is refreshing and perfect for hot summer days. In Italy, Pappa al Pomodoro is a thick, bread-based tomato soup that is hearty and filling.

Additional Uses for Tomato Soup

Tomato soup is not only a delicious meal on its own but also incredibly versatile. Here are some creative ways to use tomato soup:

Tomato Soup Pasta Sauce

Use leftover tomato soup as a base for a pasta sauce. Simply simmer it with additional herbs and spices, and toss with your favorite pasta.

Tomato Soup Bread Bowl

Serve tomato soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun and delicious presentation. The bread soaks up the soup, making every bite flavorful.

Tomato Soup Risotto

Incorporate tomato soup into a risotto for a rich and creamy dish. The soup adds depth of flavor and a beautiful color to the rice.

Tomato Soup Casserole

Mix tomato soup with cooked rice, vegetables, and cheese, then bake until bubbly. This makes for an easy and satisfying casserole.

Tomato Soup with Meatballs

Add cooked meatballs to your tomato soup for a hearty and filling meal. Serve with crusty bread for a complete dinner.