How To Make Tomato Soup

Tomato soup is one of the most popular soups around the world, and for good reason. It’s comforting, warming and wonderfully versatile. Whether you prefer it chunky or smooth, spicy or mild, homemade or canned, it’s a soup that everyone loves. Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also packed with essential vitamins and minerals. If you’ve never made tomato soup before, don’t worry, it’s easy to make and you don’t need any fancy equipment or special skills. In this article, we’ll share with you a delicious and healthy tomato soup recipe that you can easily make from your kitchen.

What You’ll Need to Make Tomato Soup

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a quick look at the ingredients you’ll need. Some of these ingredients you may already have in your kitchen.

– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 3 cans of peeled tomatoes (14 1/2 ounces each)
– 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper
– Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Step by Step Guide to Making Tomato Soup

Now that we have all the ingredients, it’s time to start cooking. Here’s how to make tomato soup:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F.

Step 2: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 3: Drain the peeled tomatoes and transfer them to the baking sheet. Drizzle some olive oil over the tomatoes, and season them with salt and pepper. Roast the tomatoes for 25-30 minutes or until they’re soft and slightly caramelized.

Step 4: While the tomatoes are roasting, you can start preparing your soup. In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the onion and garlic in the butter until the onion is translucent.

Step 5: Add the roasted tomatoes and chicken or vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 6: Remove the pot from heat and blend the soup until it’s smooth using an immersion blender. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until it’s smooth.

Step 7: Return the pot to the heat, and stir in the heavy cream. Season the soup with salt and pepper, to taste.

Step 8: Let the soup simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes. You can add more broth if the soup is too thick.

Step 9: Take the pot off the heat, and garnish with fresh basil leaves if you like.

Tip: If you prefer a chunky soup, skip step 6 and serve the soup as is.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you’ll need to peel and seed them first. To peel a tomato, make a small ‘x’ on the bottom of each tomato, blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds, and then transfer them to a bowl of ice water. Once cooled, the skin should easily peel off. You can also use a tomato peeler. To seed a tomato, simply cut it in half and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp. You can then roast the tomatoes as mentioned in the recipe.

2. How long can I store tomato soup in the fridge?

You can store tomato soup in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure you let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. To reheat, you can microwave it or reheat it on the stovetop.

3. Can I freeze tomato soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup. Let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stovetop.

4. Can I use a blender instead of an immersion blender?

Yes, you can use a blender in batches to blend the soup. Just make sure you don’t fill the blender more than halfway, and be careful when blending hot liquids.

5. Can I make the soup without heavy cream?

Yes, you can omit the cream if you want a dairy-free version. The soup will still be delicious. If you want a creamier consistency, you can add a can of coconut milk instead.

Conclusion

Tomato soup is a classic and comforting soup that’s easy to make from the comfort of your own kitchen. This recipe is simple, delicious, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Whether you like it spicy or mild, smooth or chunky, homemade or canned, this soup is sure to become one of your favorites. There’s no need for any fancy equipment or special skills, and you can customize it to suit your preferences. So go ahead and give this recipe a try, you won’t be disappointed!