Tomato Soup Recipe

Tomato soup is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for any season. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light summer meal or a warming winter dish, homemade tomato soup is always a delight. This recipe is simple, full of flavor, and can be made with basic pantry ingredients. Let’s dive into making this delicious soup that will surely become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds fresh tomatoes, chopped (or two 28-ounce cans of whole tomatoes)
• 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for a dairy-free option)
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• Croutons or a crusty bread (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   Start by washing and chopping the fresh tomatoes if you’re using them. If you opt for canned tomatoes, no need to chop them as they will break down during cooking.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Tomatoes and Simmer:
   Add the chopped fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Season the Soup:
   Stir in the sugar (if using), salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Adjust the seasonings to your taste preference.
5. Blend Until Smooth:
   Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender and blend until smooth. Be cautious with the hot liquid.
6. Add Cream and Heat Through:
   Return the blended soup to the pot if you used a countertop blender. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Allow the soup to heat through on low heat for about 5 minutes, but do not let it boil.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve with croutons or a slice of crusty bread for a delightful meal.

Tips for the Perfect Tomato Soup

• Use Ripe Tomatoes: If you’re using fresh tomatoes, make sure they’re ripe for the best flavor. Overripe tomatoes work wonderfully in this soup.
• Adjust Sweetness: The sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Adjust the amount to your taste or omit it entirely if you prefer.
• Add a Twist: For a different flavor profile, try adding roasted red peppers or a hint of smoked paprika to the soup.

Variations

• Vegan Option: Use vegetable broth and replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream substitute.
• Spicy Tomato Soup: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Herb-Infused: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary to infuse the soup with additional flavors.

Tomato soup is a versatile and comforting dish that can be tailored to your taste. With this simple recipe, you can enjoy a bowl of homemade tomato soup that’s bursting with flavor and goodness. Happy cooking!