Introduction
Delve into a delicious and comforting homemade tomato soup that warms the soul. This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a hearty dish perfect for any occasion. With the right balance of flavors, it’s not just a meal but an experience. Serve it with your choice of garnishes for that extra touch!
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
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 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. Roughly chop the whole tomatoes to expedite cooking.
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 desired. Cook for approximately 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, then add about ¼ cup of the vegetable stock to help incorporate the paste. Once blended, add the chopped whole tomatoes and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
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 and taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.
7. Use an immersion blender to puree 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
1. Prepare Ingredients
Chop the onion and garlic finely. Open the cans of whole and diced tomatoes, and measure out the vegetable stock and half and half. Roughly chop the whole tomatoes to expedite cooking.
2. Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Cook for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Incorporate Tomato Paste
Stir in the tomato paste, then add around ¼ cup of the vegetable stock to help incorporate the paste. After blending, add the chopped whole tomatoes and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
4. 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.
5. Simmer
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for approximately 10 minutes.
6. Add Half and Half
After simmering, add the half and half to the soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.
7. Blend
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If unavailable, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender or food processor.
8. Serve
Serve the soup hot, garnished with your choice of fresh basil, shredded parmesan, croutons, or a swirl of half and half.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Consider pairing the soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly on the stove before serving.
Substitutions
For a dairy-free version, replace half and half with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative.
Customization
Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for additional flavor and nutrition.
Cook techniques
Chopping Ingredients
Properly chop your onions and garlic to ensure even cooking. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts, which will enhance the flavors and textures in your dish.
Sautéing
Warm olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, allowing them to soften and release their flavors. Season early with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a balanced taste.
Incorporating Tomato Paste
Mix the tomato paste with a small amount of vegetable stock to create a smooth mixture before adding it to your other ingredients. This helps integrate the flavors more effectively.
Simmering
After bringing the soup to a boil, reduce heat and let it simmer. This process allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.
Blending
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot for convenience. If using a regular blender, let the soup cool slightly and blend in batches to avoid splattering.
Garnishing
Enhance the soup’s presentation and flavor by garnishing with fresh basil, shredded parmesan, croutons, or a swirl of half and half right before serving.
FAQ
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Substitute them by peeling and chopping enough to match the volume of canned tomatoes in the recipe.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to increase the spice level to your preference.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, substitute the half and half with a plant-based cream or additional vegetable stock to maintain a vegan-friendly option.
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs well with a variety of accompaniments, such as crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a fresh side salad.
How should I store leftovers?
Cool the soup completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer shelf life.
Conclusion
This comforting soup, rich with the flavors of fresh tomatoes and enhanced by the creamy addition of half and half, is perfect for any occasion. The balance of seasoning allows for customization, making it a versatile dish that can be tailored to your taste. Enjoy it with your favorite garnishes for an even more delightful experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Tomato Bisque
Add an extra kick by increasing the red pepper flakes or incorporating diced jalapeños for a spicy tomato bisque.
Roasted Vegetable Tomato Soup
Include roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots for a more robust flavor and added nutrition.
Pasta Fagioli
Stir in small pasta and cannellini beans toward the end of cooking to create a hearty tomato soup that’s filling and satisfying.
Italian Herb Tomato Soup
Infuse the soup with Italian herbs such as oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a fragrant and flavorful twist.
Cheesy Tomato Soup
Fold in shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese just before serving for a rich and cheesy soup experience.
Caprese-Inspired Tomato Soup
Top the soup with fresh mozzarella balls and a drizzle of balsamic reduction along with the basil for a Caprese flair.
