Description
This hearty Tomato Soup, blending ripe tomatoes with aromatic herbs, is such a soul-warming experience. Silky smooth and rich with depth, you’ll savor each spoonful of this timeless comfort classic.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomatoes and Base:
- 800 g (28.2 oz) crushed tomatoes (or 1.6 kg / 3.5 lbs fresh tomatoes, chopped)
- 500 ml (2 cups) vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for deeper flavor)
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Ingredients:
- 120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream or 100 g (½ cup) Greek yogurt (optional for creaminess)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic base by gently sautéing finely diced onions in a generous splash of olive oil over medium heat until they turn translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic to the pan, stirring continuously to prevent burning and allowing the garlic to release its fragrant essence for about 45-60 seconds.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, complementing them with a dollop of tomato paste to enhance the depth of flavor, and combine with vegetable or chicken broth.
- Elevate the soup’s taste profile by incorporating a pinch of sugar, which balances the tomatoes’ acidity, then sprinkle in dried basil, oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the ingredients to dance and meld together, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution.
- Reduce the temperature to low and let the soup gently bubble for 10-15 minutes, developing a rich, harmonious flavor.
- Transform the soup’s texture using an immersion blender, carefully pureeing until silky smooth. If using a standard blender, transfer in batches, ensuring the lid is slightly ajar to prevent pressure buildup.
- For a luxurious finish, swirl in heavy cream or Greek yogurt, creating a velvety consistency. Warm through briefly but avoid boiling to maintain the delicate texture.
Notes
- Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the most vibrant and sweet flavor profile.
- Customize the soup’s consistency by adjusting the amount of broth – add more for a thinner soup or less for a thicker texture.
- Enhance the soup’s depth by roasting tomatoes and vegetables before blending for a more complex, caramelized taste.
- Create a dairy-free version by substituting coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, which adds richness without animal products.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg