Tomato soup is more than just a simple dish; it’s a timeless classic that warms the soul, evokes nostalgia, and brings comfort to any table. Whether enjoyed on a chilly winter evening or paired with a fresh sandwich for lunch, this delightful soup has a way of making you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. With its vibrant color and rich flavors, tomato soup is a meal that many people cherish. In this article, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about making the perfect tomato soup, from the essential ingredients to expert tips for an unforgettable experience.
Why We Love This Tomato Soup Recipe
There’s something magical about a good bowl of tomato soup. It’s simple yet incredibly satisfying, offering a burst of flavor with each spoonful. This particular recipe stands out thanks to its combination of fresh ingredients, creamy texture, and layers of flavor. The aromatic blend of onions, carrots, and garlic creates a beautiful base, while the addition of coconut milk or heavy cream adds a rich, velvety finish. The seasoning, with just a hint of red pepper flakes, provides a gentle warmth that’s perfectly balanced by the acidity of the tomatoes.
Moreover, this tomato soup is incredibly versatile. Whether you enjoy it as a light starter, a quick lunch, or a comforting dinner, it’s appropriate for any occasion. With easy-to-follow steps and common ingredients, you’ll be whipping this up in no time, making it a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients About Tomato Soup
To create this delicious tomato soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, or an additional 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium yellow onions, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 (28-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 3 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 1/3 cups full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream, plus more for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How to Make Tomato Soup Directions
Creating this vibrant and satisfying tomato soup is a delightful experience! Here’s how you can prepare it step by step:
Prepare the base: Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. The combination of these two fats adds depth to the flavor. As the mixture heats, add in the chopped onions, carrots, and garlic along with a pinch of salt. Cook this aromatic mixture, stirring occasionally, for around eight minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
Add the acidity: Once the vegetables are cooked down, stir in the balsamic vinegar. This will add a tangy flavor, enhancing the overall profile of your soup.
Incorporate the tomatoes: Next, add the diced tomatoes, water or vegetable broth, and your choice of coconut milk or heavy cream into the pot. Each option delivers a different kind of creaminess, so feel free to choose based on your preference.
Season the soup: Now, sprinkle in the dried thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and several grinds of freshly black pepper. Each of these ingredients contributes to the depth of flavor, ensuring your soup is anything but ordinary.
Simmer and stir: Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20 to 25 minutes. This step is important as it helps the flavors meld together beautifully while the carrots soften.
Blend for texture: Once the carrots are tender, scoop out about four cups of the chunky soup from the pot and set it aside. Transfer the remaining soup into a blender and puree it until smooth. This will give your soup that creamy consistency, which contrasts beautifully with the chunky bits you set aside.
Combine and taste: Return the pureed soup back to the pot and add the reserved chunky soup. Stir everything together and adjust the seasonings as necessary, adding more salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, and for that extra touch, drizzle some coconut milk or olive oil on top. Finish with freshly ground black pepper and a few fresh basil leaves for garnish.
How to Serve Tomato Soup
Serving tomato soup is as easy as preparing it! Here are a few delicious serving ideas:
With Bread: One classic option is to pair your tomato soup with a hearty slice of toasted bread or a warm, crusty baguette. This offers a delightful crunch and helps soak up the rich flavors of the soup.
Grilled Cheese: For a nostalgic twist, serve your soup with a grilled cheese sandwich. The gooey, melted cheese is a perfect complement to the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
Garnish: Don’t forget to add that drizzle of coconut milk or olive oil on top and sprinkle some fresh basil leaves. These simple touches not only enhance the flavor but also make your bowl look visually appealing.
Accompanying Salad: For a lighter meal, serve your tomato soup alongside a fresh garden salad. The crisp vegetables will contrast nicely with the warm soup, refreshing your palate.
Expert Tips: Tomato Soup
Making tomato soup is straightforward, but some tips can elevate your dish:
Use High-Quality Tomatoes: The type of tomatoes you use can significantly impact the flavor of your soup. Opt for good-quality diced tomatoes, preferably San Marzano or another brand with rich flavor.
Fresh Herbs: If you’re feeling adventurous, substitute dried thyme with fresh thyme for an even more fragrant soup. Remember to adjust the quantity since fresh herbs are stronger than dried ones.
Spice It Up: If you enjoy heat, consider adding a chopped jalapeño or some cayenne pepper along with the red pepper flakes. This will give your soup an exciting kick.
Texture Preferences: Adjust the consistency to your liking. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup instead of blending the entire batch.
Make Ahead: This soup keeps its flavor well, so feel free to make it a day in advance. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
How to Store Tomato Soup
Storing your homemade tomato soup is simple:
Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Just reheat gently on the stove before enjoying.
Freezing: If you have leftovers or want to prepare for future meals, tomato soup freezes well. Pour the cooled soup into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variation of Tomato Soup
Don’t hesitate to get creative with your tomato soup! Here are a few variations you can try:
Herbed Tomato Soup: Add fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley before blending for a fresh herbal twist.
Smoky Tomato Soup: For a smoky flavor, add some smoked paprika or a touch of chipotle in adobo.
Roasted Tomato Soup: Elevate the flavor by roasting the tomatoes before adding them to the soup. This will add a depth of sweetness and smokiness.
Spicy Tomato Soup: Incorporate more red pepper flakes or add chopped jalapeños for a spicier kick.
Vegetable-Infused Tomato Soup: Toss in extra vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to add more nutrients and flavor.
FAQ
What is the best way to thicken tomato soup?
If you desire a thicker consistency, you can add a few tablespoons of tomato paste to the soup while it’s simmering. Another method is to blend more of the soup than specified in the recipe, which will create a creamier texture.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes in the soup?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh tomatoes, you can use them instead. You’ll need to blanch, peel, and seed them before adding them to your soup. Fresh tomatoes will provide a vibrant taste but may require longer cooking times.
Is tomato soup vegan?
Yes, this tomato soup can easily be made vegan by using coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Additionally, ensure that the vegetable broth is plant-based to maintain its vegan status.
How do I enhance the flavor of my tomato soup?
You can enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs, spices, roasted garlic, or caramelized onions to the soup. A splash of lemon juice or a hint of sugar can also balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Tomato Soup
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 medium yellow onions, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 cans (28 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 3 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 1/3 cups full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp sea salt
- to taste freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and garlic with a pinch of salt, cooking for about 8 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook for another minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes, water or broth, and coconut milk or heavy cream. Stir to combine.
- Season with thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth, then return it to the pot. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and a drizzle of coconut milk or olive oil.
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