Introduction
If you’re looking for a comforting and rich tomato soup that brings warmth to any meal, this simple recipe featuring San Marzano tomatoes is a perfect choice. With just a few ingredients, you can create a creamy, flavorful soup that’s sure to please. The combination of butter and onion enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, making for a deliciously balanced dish. Serve it with your favorite bread or sides and enjoy a bowl of homemade goodness.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Two 28-ounce cans San Marzano tomatoes (whole or crushed)
1 stick (8 tablespoons) salted butter
1 yellow onion, peeled and cut into 4 chunks
3–4 cloves smashed garlic (optional)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: Serves 4-6
Instructions
1. Combine the tomatoes, butter, onion, and garlic (if using) in a large saucepan or Dutch oven.
2. Bring the mixture to a low simmer over medium-low heat.
3. Partially cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent scorching.
4. After simmering, remove the onion pieces using tongs.
5. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it reaches your desired smoothness.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
7. Serve the soup hot, optionally accompanied by garlic bread, grilled cheese, croutons, crackers, or pesto.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the two cans of San Marzano tomatoes (whether whole or crushed), a stick of salted butter, the four chunks of peeled yellow onion, and the smashed garlic cloves if you are using them. Stir the mixture gently to blend the ingredients evenly.
Step 2: Heat the Mixture
Place the saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-low heat and bring the mixture to a low simmer. Ensure that the heat is not too high to prevent burning.
Step 3: Simmer
Partially cover the pot with a lid and allow the soup to simmer for a total of 45 minutes. Stir the mixture every 15 minutes to help prevent any scorching on the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Remove Onion
After the simmering time is complete, use tongs to carefully remove the chunks of onion from the soup. Discard the onion pieces as they are only used for flavor.
Step 5: Blend the Soup
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup to your desired level of smoothness. Blend until it reaches a creamy consistency, making sure to blend thoroughly for an even texture.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning
After blending, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt or any additional spices to suit your preferences.
Step 7: Serve the Soup
Serve the hot soup immediately. It pairs well with optional sides such as garlic bread, grilled cheese, croutons, crackers, or a dollop of pesto for added flavor.
Notes
Tomato Quality
Using San Marzano tomatoes will enhance the flavor of your soup significantly due to their rich taste and low acidity.
Butter Flavor
Salted butter adds a creamy, rich flavor to the soup; however, if you prefer a lighter version, unsalted butter can be used, and you can adjust the salt later.
Texture Preference
The immersion blender allows for easy texture adjustments. Blend less for a chunkier soup or more for a completely smooth consistency.
Additional Seasonings
Feel free to incorporate herbs such as basil or oregano during the cooking process for added aromatic flavors.
Storage Recommendations
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
Cook techniques
Simmering
Simmering involves cooking food gently in liquid at a temperature just below boiling. To achieve this, maintain medium-low heat and allow the mixture to bubble softly. This technique is essential for developing flavors in the sauce.
Blending
Blending refers to breaking down solid ingredients into a smooth consistency. An immersion blender allows for easy blending directly in the pot. Blend until you reach the desired smoothness, which can vary based on personal preference.
Adjusting Seasoning
Tasting and adjusting seasoning is crucial to ensuring that the dish has the right balance of flavors. After blending, add salt or any additional seasonings based on your taste.
FAQ
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. However, you may need to peel and core them and adjust the cooking time since fresh tomatoes may not be as concentrated in flavor as canned San Marzano tomatoes.
Is it necessary to remove the onion pieces after cooking?
Removing the onion is traditional, but you can leave it in if you prefer a stronger onion flavor. The onion can add extra depth if blended in.
What can I serve with the soup?
The soup pairs well with garlic bread, grilled cheese, croutons, crackers, or a dollop of pesto for added flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can replace the butter with a vegan alternative, such as olive oil or vegan butter, to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
Conclusion
This simple yet delicious tomato soup recipe highlights the rich flavor of San Marzano tomatoes, complemented by the creaminess of butter and the aromatic essence of onion and garlic. Ideal for a cozy meal, it’s perfect for any season and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, transforming it into a complete dining experience.
Classic Grilled Cheese
Serve this tomato soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting meal that never fails to satisfy.
Crunchy Croutons
Top the soup with homemade or store-bought croutons for added texture and crunch that enhances every spoonful.
Pesto Drizzle
A swirl of fresh basil pesto on top of the soup adds an irresistible layer of flavor and a pop of color.
Spicy Meatballs
Add some spicy meatballs to your soup for a heartier dish, infusing it with additional protein and flavor.
Caprese Salad
A fresh caprese salad on the side can offer a refreshing contrast to the warm, rich soup with its tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic drizzle.
Garlic Breadsticks
Serve with warm garlic breadsticks for dipping; the bread will soak up the delicious tomato goodness.
Parmesan Crisps
Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top of the soup before serving, or serve alongside crispy Parmesan chips for an indulgent touch.
Vegetable Medley
Pair with a side of roasted or sautéed seasonal vegetables for a healthy and colorful accompaniment.
