Tomato Soup

Tomato soup is a classic comfort food that’s both hearty and soothing. Made from fresh tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a touch of cream, this soup is perfect for warming up on a chilly day or enjoying as a light meal any time of year. Here’s a detailed recipe that combines simplicity with rich flavors, along with some tips to ensure your tomato soup turns out perfectly every time.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (about 900g) ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream (optional, for a creamier soup)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Tomatoes

1. Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Add chopped tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, and dried thyme to the pot. Stir to combine and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
2. Simmer: Pour in vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer, uncovered, for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are very soft.

Step 3: Blend the Soup

1. Blend Until Smooth: Remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth directly in the pot. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth. If using a blender, be cautious as hot liquids can expand.
2. Strain (Optional): For an even smoother texture, strain the blended soup through a fine mesh sieve into a clean pot, pressing on solids with a spoon.

Step 4: Finish the Soup

1. Add Cream (Optional): Return the strained soup to low heat. Stir in heavy cream, if using, and heat through without boiling. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth or water until desired consistency is reached.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, and a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Serve Warm: Serve immediately with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic pairing.

Tips for Success

• Tomato Selection: Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes are ideal, but any ripe variety will work.
• Enhance Flavor: For extra depth of flavor, you can roast the tomatoes in the oven before adding them to the soup. Simply toss halved tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes until caramelized.
• Creaminess: The addition of heavy cream is optional but adds richness to the soup. For a dairy-free version, omit the cream or use coconut cream.
• Seasoning: Adjust the amount of dried herbs, salt, and pepper according to your taste preferences. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also be used for garnish.
• Storage: Allow leftover soup to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Tomato soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.

Conclusion

With its vibrant color and comforting taste, homemade tomato soup is a versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe allows you to savor the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes complemented by aromatic herbs, creating a soup that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Whether enjoyed as a starter or a light main course, this tomato soup is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen, offering warmth and deliciousness with every spoonful.