If you’ve ever found yourself craving a warm and comforting bowl of tomato soup but have no clue how to make it, you’re not alone. The world of cooking can be intimidating, especially when it comes to classic recipes like tomato soup. The simple truth is that soups are very simple and easy to make!
Why is this the best recipe?
One key factor is the selection of the perfect tomatoes. Using ripe, juicy tomatoes, you’ll infuse your soup with fresh flavor that can’t be replicated with canned alternatives. The choice of tomatoes sets the stage for a truly delicious and memorable dish. Another reason why this recipe stands out is its attention to achieving just the right texture. No one wants a tomato soup that’s too thin or overly thick. Through careful cooking and blending techniques, this recipe ensures that the soup has a velvety consistency that coats the spoon perfectly. Each spoonful becomes a delightful experience as the soup glides smoothly across your palate, leaving you craving more. Furthermore, this recipe takes into account the delicate balance of flavors. It doesn’t just rely on tomatoes alone to create a robust taste. Combining aromatic herbs and spices, such as onion and garlic, adds depth and complexity to the soup. These flavor enhancers work harmoniously with the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, resulting in a satisfying and comforting soup. Additionally, the ingredients’ simplicity in this recipe makes it approachable for even the most novice cooks. You won’t need a long list of obscure or hard-to-find ingredients. Instead, you’ll find that the recipe calls for pantry staples you likely already have. This accessibility ensures that anyone can create an incredible tomato soup without feeling overwhelmed. Lastly, this recipe allows for personalization and experimentation. While the base recipe is undeniably delicious, it leaves room to add your creative touch. Want to add a splash of cream for extra richness? Go ahead. Are you craving a bit of smokiness? Try adding a hint of paprika. This recipe encourages you to make it your own and find the perfect flavors that suit your taste buds.
Ingredients and substitutes
When it comes to the tomatoes themselves, this recipe calls for fresh tomatoes, but you can certainly use canned tomatoes as well. Fresh tomatoes offer a vibrant and bright flavor, especially during the peak of tomato season. However, if fresh tomatoes are not available or if you prefer the convenience of canned tomatoes, they can be a great alternative. Just be sure to choose high-quality canned tomatoes without added flavors or preservatives for the best taste. While the rest of the ingredients are simple pantry staples such as onion, garlic, bay leaves, broth, and cream, there is room for experimentation and preference. For example, if you crave sweetness, sautéing some onions until caramelized and letting their natural sugars infuse the soup can create a delightful balance of flavors. For those with dietary preferences or restrictions, there are also ingredient substitutes that can be utilized. Instead of using heavy cream, you can choose alternatives such as coconut or almond milk to create a lighter version of the soup without sacrificing taste. Additionally, vegetable broth or stock can be used as a substitute for chicken broth, making the soup suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Step-by-step: Tomato soup with fresh tomatoes
To begin, wash the fresh tomatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Then, carefully remove each tomato’s stem and core with a sharp knife. For a smoother soup texture, you can also choose to peel the skin off the tomatoes. To do this, make a shallow “X” mark at the bottom of each tomato and blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds to a minute. Immediately transfer the tomatoes to an ice bath to cool, making removing the skin easier. From there, gently peel the skin off using a small knife or fingers.
Next, remove the seeds by gently scooping them out with a spoon. Once the tomatoes are seed-free, chop them into small, uniform pieces. This will ensure that they cook evenly and release their delicious juices, further enhancing the flavor of your soup.
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions are translucent. Add the sugar and cook for a minute or two until caramelized. Caramelizing the sugar now will deepen the color of the tomato soup. Add the tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well to combine. Let it cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to break down. Stir in the heavy cream and combine well. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, let the soup cool slightly, then blend it in batches in a regular blender. Return the soup to the pot after blending. Serve the soup hot, garnished with grated parmesan or a swirl of cream and fresh basil if you’d like. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting meal.
Tips for success
Choose the Right Tomatoes Varieties: Different tomato varieties offer different flavors. Roma and beefsteak tomatoes are popular choices for soups owing to their rich flavors. Ripeness: Make sure to use ripe, fresh tomatoes as they form the base of your soup. Ripe tomatoes will offer a sweeter and richer flavor compared to unripe ones. Prepping the Tomatoes Blanching: Blanch the tomatoes before making the soup to remove the skins easily. Seeding: Consider deseeding the tomatoes to prevent the soup from getting too watery. Building Flavors Roasting: Alternatively, roasting the tomatoes before adding them to the soup can enhance the flavor. This step can caramelize the tomatoes’ natural sugars, giving the soup a deeper flavor profile. Herbs and Spices: A bay leaf can add a nice background note. Use fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano to add depth to the flavor. Creaminess Cream Options: You can use heavy cream, coconut milk, or even Greek yogurt to add creaminess to your soup. Different creams offer different textures and flavors, so choose according to your preference. Blending: After cooking the tomatoes down, use an immersion blender or a stand blender to make the soup smooth and creamy. Blending also helps in incorporating the flavors well. Sweetness Balancing Acidity: Tomatoes are naturally acidic. Adding a pinch of sugar or a small amount of a sweet vegetable like a carrot can balance the acidity. Cooking Time: Cook the tomatoes properly to reduce the acidic bite and to bring out their natural sweetness. Serving Accompaniments: Serve your velvety, creamy soup with a swirl of cream, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or grating Parmesan cheese. Crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich also pairs perfectly with tomato soup. Texture: For a chunkier soup, don’t blend all of the soup – leave some pieces of tomato for a more rustic feel. Storing Refrigerating: The soup will generally store well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Freezing: Tomato soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers and freezing.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup Roast Pumpkin Sweet Potato Soup Recipe for Sweet Potato Soup Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry How to Make Pumpkin Soup
Frequently asked questions
Variations to this tomato soup
You can control the taste and intensity of your tomato soup by using fresh tomatoes. Fresh tomatoes’ natural sweetness and acidity can vary, so taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Add a pinch of sugar to enhance the sweetness or a splash of balsamic vinegar to balance the acidity if needed. To further elevate your tomato soup experience, add roasted vegetables like onions, garlic, carrots, and tomatoes. Roasting these vegetables before adding them to the soup will deepen their flavors and add a delicious caramelized note. Simply toss the vegetables in olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast in a preheated oven until nicely browned. Then, blend them in with the soup for an extra layer of richness. In addition to roasted vegetables, herbs, and spices can play a vital role in enhancing the flavors of your tomato soup. A classic choice is fresh basil, which pairs wonderfully with the natural sweetness of tomatoes. Tear some basil leaves and add them to the pot towards the end of the cooking process for a burst of freshness. If you prefer a more savory profile, try adding a sprinkle of dried oregano or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Texture is another crucial element to consider when making tomato soup. While a smooth and creamy consistency is often desired, some people enjoy a slightly chunkier texture. To achieve this, you can reserve a handful of diced tomatoes and add them back into the soup after blending. This way, you’ll have a delightful balance of velvety smoothness and appealing tomato chunks in every spoonful.
Creative ways to serve tomato soup
One idea is to serve tomato soup in individual bread bowls. Hollow out the center of a small round loaf of bread, leaving a thick enough shell to hold the soup. Toast the bread bowl slightly before pouring the hot tomato soup inside. This gives your soup a unique and rustic flair and allows your guests to eat the bowl itself, adding an extra layer of deliciousness. Another creative way to serve tomato soup is by turning it into a shooter. Fill shot glasses or small glass jars with a small serving of tomato soup and top it off with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. This bite-sized version of the classic recipe can be enjoyed as an appetizer or an elegant amuse-bouche at a dinner party. For a refreshing twist, consider serving chilled tomato soup in small bowls. After preparing the soup, allow it to cool in the refrigerator for a few hours. The chilled soup will be a refreshing treat on a hot summer day and can be garnished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a few drops of balsamic glaze, or some micro greens for added flavor and visual appeal. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different toppings and garnishes to add interesting textures and flavors to your tomato soup. Crispy bacon bits, croutons, grated Parmesan cheese, or a swirl of pesto can take your soup to the next level. Feel free to get creative and try different combinations to find your favorite.
Did you LIKE this recipe? Save it for later. You can find my recipes on Pinterest. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.Subscribe, and I’ll send you new recipes right to your inbox. Thank you for sharing - Save for later
