Introduction
If you’re searching for a comforting and hearty dish that warms you from the inside out, look no further than this rich and flavorful tomato soup. Perfect for chilly days, this recipe combines the tanginess of crushed and diced tomatoes with the aromatic goodness of fresh basil and garlic. Finished with a creamy roux and Parmesan, this soup is bound to become a family favorite.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 medium white onion, diced
3 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
1 cup half and half
For the Roux:
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup flour
1 cup heavy cream or half and half
Prep Time
Approximately 15 minutes to gather and prepare the ingredients.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 2 to 8 hours depending on the setting of your slow cooker.
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes on high, or up to 8 hours on low.
Yield: Serves about 6 to 8 people.
This delightful tomato soup, with its complex flavors and smooth texture, is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether served with a warm slice of bread or enjoyed on its own, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
In a slow cooker, add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, diced white onion, minced garlic, finely chopped fresh basil, salt, black pepper, and chicken or vegetable broth.
Step 2: Cook the Soup
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 to 8 hours, depending on your schedule.
Step 3: Puree the Soup
About 30 to 40 minutes before you plan to serve, carefully transfer the soup to a blender or food processor. Puree the mixture until it is smooth. Return the pureed soup to the slow cooker.
Step 4: Prepare the Roux
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the flour and stir until it clumps together. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream (or half and half) and continue to whisk until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
Step 5: Combine Roux and Cheese
Add the prepared roux and shredded Parmesan cheese to the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
Step 6: Final Cooking
Allow the soup to cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted. Stir well before serving.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Top each serving with additional chopped basil and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Storage Instructions
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop.
Ingredient Variations
Feel free to customize the soup with additional veggies such as carrots or bell peppers, or add protein like cooked chicken for a heartier dish.
Cook techniques
Slow Cooking
Slow cooking involves cooking food at low temperatures for an extended period, allowing flavors to meld and develop. In this recipe, a slow cooker is used to combine crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, basil, salt, pepper, and broth. Cooking on high for 2 hours or low for 4-8 hours ensures the vegetables become tender and the flavors intensify.
Blending
Blending is a technique commonly used to create a smooth texture in soups and sauces. After slow cooking the ingredients, the mixture is transferred to a blender or food processor to puree until smooth, providing a creamy consistency to the soup.
Making a Roux
A roux is a mixture of fat (butter) and flour used to thicken sauces and soups. To prepare the roux for this recipe, butter is melted in a saucepan, and flour is added and stirred until clumpy, followed by whisking in heavy cream or half and half until thickened and smooth.
Melting Cheese
Melting cheese adds creaminess and flavor to dishes. In this recipe, shredded Parmesan cheese is added to the slow cooker with the prepared roux, allowing it to melt into the soup for a rich, cheesy flavor.
Garnishing
Garnishing enhances the presentation and flavor of a dish. This recipe suggests topping the soup with additional fresh basil and Parmesan cheese before serving to add texture, color, and flavor.
FAQ
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just make sure to blanch, peel, and chop them before adding.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and omit any meat products.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, the soup can be made ahead and refrigerated. Just reheat and add the cheese before serving.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast can be used as substitutes for Parmesan cheese.
How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If the soup is too thin, you can add more roux or let it cook longer to reduce and thicken.
Conclusion
The tomato soup created with these ingredients is a creamy, rich delight that balances the acidity of tomatoes with the savory notes of herbs and cheese. The smooth texture, enhanced by a simple roux, elevates this dish to comfort food status, making it perfect for any occasion. Pairing this soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad enhances the dining experience, ensuring it becomes a favorite in your home.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Caprese Salad
Combine fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze for a refreshing side.
Garlic Bread
Serve toasted bread slathered with garlic butter, perfect for dipping into the creamy tomato soup.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Make classic grilled cheese using your favorite bread and cheese for a timeless pair with tomato soup.
Pasta Primavera
Mix assorted seasonal vegetables with pasta and a light olive oil sauce for a bright side dish.
Stuffed Peppers
Use the leftover soup as a base to create delicious stuffed peppers filled with quinoa, beans, and cheese.
Tomato Basil Risotto
Incorporate the flavors of tomatoes and basil into a creamy risotto for a hearty main dish.
Vegetable Stir-Fry
Sauté a variety of colorful vegetables and serve them alongside the soup for additional texture and flavor.
Pasta Fagioli
Make a hearty soup by adding pasta and beans to the crushed tomato base for a filling meal.
