Introduction
Discover a delightful tomato soup recipe that is both comforting and easy to make. Packed with fresh ingredients and a creamy finish, this tomato soup is perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick lunch. With just a few simple steps, you can create a rich and flavorful dish sure to please family and friends.
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
This simple yet delicious tomato soup recipe will warm your heart and soul, making it an excellent addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the process of creating this comforting dish and feel free to customize it with your favorite garnishes!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Gather and chop the onion and garlic finely. Open the cans of whole and diced tomatoes. Measure out 2 cups of vegetable stock and ½ cup of half and half. Roughly chop the whole tomatoes to expedite the cooking process.
Heat the Oil and Cook Aromatics
In a large pot over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is heated, add the chopped onion and garlic. Season them with 1 teaspoon of salt, ¾ teaspoon of pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for approximately 3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
Add Tomato Paste and Mix
Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, then add about ¼ cup of vegetable stock to help incorporate the paste smoothly. Once well mixed, add the chopped whole tomatoes and the 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes, stirring to combine all ingredients.
Bring to a Boil
Pour in the remaining vegetable stock into the pot. Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil, which should take about 3 minutes.
Simmer the Soup
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Add Half and Half
After simmering, pour in the ½ cup of half and half. Taste the soup and adjust its 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 do not have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender or food processor for blending.
Serve the Soup
Serve the hot soup in bowls, garnishing with your choice of fresh basil, shredded parmesan, croutons, or a drizzle of half and half.
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to use vegetable broth instead of vegetable stock for added flavor.
Texture Preference
If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only a portion and leave some tomato pieces intact for texture.
Storage Tips
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Garnish Variations
Experiment with other garnishes such as grilled cheese croutons, chopped chives, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for different flavor profiles.
Cook Techniques
Chopping Ingredients
When preparing the soup, it’s essential to chop the onion and garlic finely for even cooking and flavor release. Use a sharp knife for better control and precision.
Sautéing
Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat before adding onions and garlic. This technique, called sautéing, enhances the flavors and aromas, making the base of your soup more flavorful.
Incorporating Tomato Paste
Add tomato paste to the sautéed onion and garlic to deepen the flavor. Mixing in a bit of vegetable stock first helps to integrate the paste smoothly into the mixture.
Simmering
After bringing the soup mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a richer taste.
Blending the Soup
Using an immersion blender provides a quick and easy way to achieve a smooth consistency. If you use a regular blender or food processor, let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid splatter.
FAQ
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. You will need about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes. Blanch and peel them before chopping for the best results.
What can I substitute for half and half?
You can substitute half and half with heavy cream for a richer soup or milk for a lighter option. Also, a dairy-free cream can work if avoiding dairy.
How can I make the soup spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or include a diced jalapeño during the sautéing step. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to 3 months.
What are some good garnishes for this soup?
Good garnishes include fresh basil, shredded parmesan cheese, croutons, or an additional drizzle of half and half for added creaminess.
Conclusion
This soup offers a delightful blend of flavors, combining rich tomatoes with the smoothness of half and half. The addition of garlic and onion enhances its savory depth, making it a comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, this soup can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Tomato Basil Soup
Add extra red pepper flakes and fresh basil to enhance the flavor profile, perfect for those who enjoy a little heat.
Creamy Mushroom Tomato Soup
Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic and onion before adding the tomatoes for an earthy twist.
Italian Chicken Tomato Soup
Incorporate shredded rotisserie chicken for added protein and heartiness.
Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
Blend in roasted red peppers for a smoky flavor and vibrant color.
Vegetable Tomato Medley Soup
Add chopped seasonal vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrition and variety.
Cheesy Tomato Soup
Stir in shredded cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, for a rich and creamy texture.
Herbed Tomato Soup
Incorporate dried herbs like oregano or thyme during cooking for an aromatic boost.
