Introduction
This delightful soup recipe combines the rich flavors of tomatoes with a creamy finish, making it a hearty and satisfying dish. Perfect for any season, it can be served as a comforting meal or an elegant starter. Follow the steps below to create this delicious soup that will surely become a favorite in your household.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 Tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 Tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes, chopped
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 cups vegetable stock
½ cup half and half
Garnish (optional)
Fresh basil, sliced
Shredded parmesan
Croutons
Half and half
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6
Instructions
1. Prepare the ingredients: chop the onion and garlic, open the cans of tomatoes, measure the vegetable stock and half and half, and roughly chop the whole tomatoes.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, then add a small amount of the vegetable stock (about ¼ cup) to help loosen the tomato paste. Once combined, add the chopped whole tomatoes and diced tomatoes. Stir well.
4. Pour in the remaining vegetable stock, cover the pot, and bring the mixture to a boil, which should take about 3 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes.
6. After simmering, add the half and half. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed.
7. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender or food processor.
8. Serve the soup hot, garnished with your choice of fresh basil, shredded parmesan, croutons, or a swirl of half and half.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the ingredients
Chop the onion and garlic. Open the cans of whole and diced tomatoes. Measure out the vegetable stock and half and half. Roughly chop the whole tomatoes.
Cook the aromatics
In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Cook for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Incorporate tomato paste
Stir in the tomato paste and add a small amount of the vegetable stock (about ¼ cup) to help loosen the tomato paste. Once combined, add the chopped whole tomatoes and diced tomatoes. Stir well to mix all ingredients.
Add remaining stock and bring to boil
Pour in the remaining vegetable stock, cover the pot, and bring the mixture to a boil, which should take about 3 minutes.
Simmer the soup
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Finish with half and half
After simmering, add the half and half to the soup. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.
Blend the soup
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
Serve the soup
Serve the soup hot, garnished with optional fresh basil, shredded parmesan, croutons, or a swirl of half and half for added flavor.
Notes
Ingredient substitutions
You can substitute olive oil with another oil of your choice. If you’re looking for a cream alternative, consider using coconut milk instead of half and half.
Storage tips
The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just be aware that the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
Serving suggestions
This soup pairs well with a crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Chopping
Ensure your onion and garlic are chopped finely for a more even distribution of flavor in the soup.
Sautéing
Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until the onion is translucent, which enhances their flavor and aroma.
Tomato Paste Incorporation
Mix the tomato paste with a small amount of vegetable stock to loosen it before adding into the pot; this ensures it blends well with other ingredients.
Simmering
Allow the soup to simmer on low heat to develop richer flavors over time, typically around 10 minutes.
Blending
Use an immersion blender for a smooth texture, or transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, taking care to avoid splatters.
Garnishing
Enhance your soup with garnishes like fresh basil, shredded parmesan, croutons, or a swirl of half and half for added flavor and presentation.
FAQ
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used, but you may need to adjust the amount based on ripeness and juiciness.
Can I substitute half and half with another ingredient?
Yes, you can use heavy cream, whole milk, or a dairy-free alternative depending on your dietary preferences.
How long can I store the soup?
The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, the soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stove.
Is the red pepper flakes necessary?
The red pepper flakes are optional; they add a bit of heat, but you can omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.
Conclusion
This creamy tomato soup is a delightful and comforting dish, perfect for any time of the year. Its rich flavors and smooth texture make it a fantastic choice for lunch or dinner. The simple ingredients create a satisfying meal that can easily be customized with various garnishes, ensuring that it suits your personal taste.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Pair the tomato soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a timeless combination that enhances the soup’s flavors.
Fresh Salad
Serve the soup alongside a fresh garden salad for a light and nutritious meal that balances the richness of the soup.
Herbed Croutons
Enhance your soup by adding homemade or store-bought herbed croutons for an added crunch and flavor.
Pasta Addition
Stir in some cooked pasta, like ditalini or orzo, into the soup to create a more filling dish that’s perfect for a hearty meal.
Spicy Sausage
For a kick of flavor, add cooked and crumbled spicy sausage to the soup, marrying the spicy notes with the creamy tomato base.
Roasted Vegetables
Incorporate roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for added nutrients and a delicious depth of flavor.
Cheese Varieties
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or goat cheese, to offer new taste experiences when melted into the hot soup.
