Here’s a classic Tomato Soup recipe that’s creamy, rich, and full of flavor. Perfect for cozy days, it’s easy to make and pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese or a crusty loaf of bread.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (28 oz) cans whole peeled tomatoes (or use fresh tomatoes, about 8-10, peeled and chopped)
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (optional, to reduce acidity)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or use coconut cream for a dairy-free version)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
2. Add the Tomatoes and Broth:
- Pour in the canned tomatoes (with their juices) or fresh chopped tomatoes.
- Add the vegetable or chicken broth and stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Blend the Soup:
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth. Be cautious with the hot liquid!
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth to reach your desired consistency.
4. Add Cream and Seasonings:
- Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free version) to make the soup rich and velvety.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the tomatoes are too acidic, add the sugar or a pinch of baking soda to balance the flavors.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
5. Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or a classic grilled cheese sandwich.
Tips:
- Fresh Tomatoes: If using fresh tomatoes, be sure to peel them by scoring an “X” on the bottom of each tomato and blanching them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transferring them to an ice bath to remove the skins easily.
- Add Depth: For a deeper flavor, roast the tomatoes in the oven with olive oil before adding them to the soup.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a kick of heat.
This Tomato Soup is creamy, comforting, and full of flavor, making it a perfect meal on its own or paired with your favorite sandwich!
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