Introduction
As the chill of winter settles in, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to help you feel cozy and nourished. This savory tomato soup recipe combines rich flavors and creamy textures, making it the perfect comfort food for cold evenings. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can prepare a delightful dish that pairs beautifully with your favorite sides, be it crackers, croutons, or a classic grilled cheese sandwich.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 cup canned tomato sauce
1 cup canned diced tomatoes
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup half and half
1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan
2 teaspoons crushed garlic
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 small onion, diced
1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
This tomato soup recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, it’s sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Onions
In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over high heat. Add the diced onions and sauté them until they are softened and turn golden brown in color.
Step 2: Add Flour
Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions. Stir continuously and cook for about 1 minute, allowing the flour to lightly brown.
Step 3: Incorporate Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in 1 cup of canned tomato sauce, 1 cup of canned diced tomatoes, and 4 cups of chicken broth. Add 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and season the mixture with 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer on low heat. Allow it to simmer for 15 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Blend the Mixture
Using an immersion blender, carefully puree the soup base until the onion and diced tomatoes are well incorporated and the desired consistency is achieved.
Step 5: Stir in Half and Half
Turn off the heat and gently stir in 1/2 cup of half and half until fully combined for a creamy texture.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it hot alongside crackers, croutons, or grilled cheese for a comforting and hearty meal.
Notes
Storage
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations
Feel free to add additional seasonings or vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This soup pairs perfectly with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Consistency Tips
For a thinner soup, add more broth; for a thicker soup, let it simmer longer to reduce.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over high heat. In this recipe, diced onions are sautéed in butter until they are softened and golden brown, enhancing their flavor.
Thickening
To thicken the soup, flour is added to the sautéed onions and cooked briefly. This technique helps create a smoother texture by combining the flour with the fat.
Simmering
Simmering is the process of cooking food gently in liquid at a low temperature. In this recipe, the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, Parmesan, and seasonings are simmered to allow the flavors to meld together.
Blending
An immersion blender is used to puree the soup, which creates a creamy consistency by breaking down the onion and tomato pieces. This technique ensures a smooth texture.
Incorporating Dairy
Adding half and half at the end of cooking enhances the creaminess of the soup. This technique involves gently stirring in the dairy product after the heat is turned off to prevent curdling.
FAQ
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and quantity to achieve the desired flavor and consistency.
What can I substitute for half and half?
You can use heavy cream for a richer flavor or milk for a lighter option, keeping in mind that the texture may vary.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make the soup vegetarian, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and ensure all other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, this soup can be frozen for up to three months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
What do I serve it with?
This soup pairs well with crackers, croutons, or a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting meal.
Conclusion
This creamy tomato soup, enriched with Parmesan and made hearty with chicken broth, is perfect for cozy evenings. The blend of flavors from tomatoes, garlic, and basil creates a comforting dish that pairs well with various accompaniments. Enjoy this quick and satisfying recipe, which will warm you up and delight your taste buds.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Pair your tomato soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a delightful combination. The melty cheese and crispy bread complement the soup perfectly.
Herbed Croutons
Top your soup with homemade herbed croutons for extra texture and flavor. Toast some bread cubes with olive oil and your choice of herbs for a delicious crunch.
Caprese Salad
Serve with a fresh Caprese salad, featuring sliced mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.
Garlic Bread
Accompany the soup with garlic bread for a wonderful combination. The buttery, garlicky bread adds a savory touch.
Spinach and Cheese Quesadillas
Enjoy your soup with spinach and cheese quesadillas for a filling and flavorful meal. The melted cheese and fresh spinach make for a wonderful pairing.
Vegetable Platter
Lighten your meal with a fresh vegetable platter. Crisp veggies will add a nice contrast to the creamy soup.
Pasta Salad
Pair the tomato soup with a cold pasta salad, which will provide a refreshing balance to the warmth of the soup.
Breadsticks
Serve with warm breadsticks for a fun dipping option for your soup, enhancing the overall meal experience.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Consider stuffed bell peppers as a heartier side. They will make your meal more filling and satisfying, while also adding a pop of color.
