A Comforting Homemade Recipe! Fresh Tomato Soup
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Tomato Soup with Fresh Tomatoes
There’s something about a warm bowl of tomato soup that brings comfort and joy, especially when made with fresh tomatoes.
This classic dish is simple, wholesome, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a cozy lunch or a starter for dinner, making tomato soup with fresh ingredients is a delicious way to enjoy the natural sweetness and vibrant taste of ripe tomatoes.
Warm Up with Comforting Soups – Discover the Best Recipe Ideas!
In this blog post, I’ll guide you through a simple and easy recipe for Tomato Soup with Fresh Tomatoes, along with tips and tricks for getting it just right.
Why You Should Use Fresh Tomatoes
While canned tomatoes are convenient, nothing beats the flavor of fresh, ripe tomatoes, especially when they’re in season.
Fresh tomatoes bring a natural sweetness and a bright, tangy flavor that elevates the soup to another level. Plus, using fresh ingredients adds a touch of homemade goodness that you just can’t get from canned products.
When making tomato soup, it’s important to choose the right tomatoes. For the best results, look for tomatoes that are:
- Ripe: Soft to the touch but not mushy, with a deep red color.
- Flavorful: Varieties like Roma, plum, or heirloom tomatoes work best for their rich flavor and lower water content.
Simple Tomato Soup with Fresh Tomatoes Recipe
Here’s an easy and delicious recipe for making tomato soup using fresh tomatoes. This recipe serves 4 people and can be easily doubled if you’re cooking for a larger crowd.
Ingredients:
- 6-8 large fresh tomatoes (Roma or plum work best)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cups of vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste (optional, for extra depth)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A handful of fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Heavy cream or milk (optional, for creaminess)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tomatoes Start by prepping your fresh tomatoes. You’ll want to peel the tomatoes for a smoother soup. To do this easily, cut a small "X" on the bottom of each tomato and blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds. Then, transfer the tomatoes to a bowl of ice water. The skins should peel off effortlessly. After peeling, chop the tomatoes into quarters and set them aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
- Add the Tomatoes Once the onions and garlic are fragrant, add the chopped fresh tomatoes to the pot. Stir everything together and let the tomatoes cook down for about 10 minutes, until they release their juices and start to break down.
- Add Broth and Simmer Pour in the vegetable broth (or chicken broth, if you prefer), and add the tomato paste if you're using it. The tomato paste adds a deeper flavor but is optional if you want to keep the soup purely fresh. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the tomatoes to soften further.
- Blend the Soup Once the soup has simmered, it’s time to blend. You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot or carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches. Blend until the soup is smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend only half of the soup and leave the rest as is.
- Season and Adjust After blending, return the soup to the pot and season with salt, pepper, and sugar. The sugar helps to balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Add Cream (Optional) If you prefer a creamier tomato soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk at this stage. This adds richness and a silky texture, but the soup is equally delicious without it if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
- Garnish and Serve Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor. For a full meal, serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or a classic grilled cheese sandwich.
Tips for Making the Best Tomato Soup
1. Use Fresh, Ripe Tomatoes
The key to a flavorful tomato soup is using the freshest tomatoes you can find. Ripe, in-season tomatoes will give your soup the best natural sweetness and depth.
2. Add a Pinch of Sugar
If your tomatoes are particularly acidic, adding a teaspoon or two of sugar can help balance the flavors without making the soup too sweet. This simple trick enhances the natural flavor of the tomatoes.
3. Adjust the Thickness
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of broth or cook the soup a bit longer to allow it to thicken naturally.
Alternatively, if your soup is too thick, simply add a bit more broth until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Don’t Skip the Blending
Blending the soup ensures a smooth, creamy texture, which is essential for a good tomato soup. If you don’t have a blender, a food processor works just as well, or you can use a potato masher for a chunkier, more rustic version.
5. Customize the Flavor
Feel free to add your own twist to this basic tomato soup recipe. Roasting the tomatoes before adding them to the pot brings out a deeper, more caramelized flavor.
You can also experiment with herbs like thyme or oregano, or add a kick of heat with some red pepper flakes.
Creative Ways to Serve Tomato Soup
1. Classic Pairing: Grilled Cheese
Tomato soup and grilled cheese is a classic combo that never fails. The creamy soup pairs perfectly with the crispy, gooey sandwich. You can also cut the grilled cheese into bite-sized pieces and dip them into the soup for an extra fun way to eat.
2. Croutons or Toasted Bread
Add some crunch to your soup by serving it with homemade croutons or a side of toasted bread. Simply cube some day-old bread, toss it with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and bake until golden brown.
3. Drizzle of Cream or Pesto
A drizzle of heavy cream or pesto on top of the soup adds a touch of elegance and extra flavor. It’s an easy way to elevate the presentation and taste of the dish.
4. Add a Protein
For a heartier meal, add chicken, shrimp, or beans to the soup. These proteins turn the tomato soup into a more filling dish without overpowering the flavors.
Can I freeze tomato soup?
Yes, tomato soup freezes very well! Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove.
Can I use other types of tomatoes?
Absolutely! While Roma or plum tomatoes are recommended for their flavor and lower water content, you can use heirloom, cherry, or even vine-ripened tomatoes. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of tomato used.
How long does tomato soup last in the fridge?
Tomato soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Making tomato soup with fresh tomatoes is a simple yet rewarding way to enjoy the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes.
This recipe is perfect for any time of year but especially shines when tomatoes are in peak season. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy lunch or an elegant starter, this homemade tomato soup is sure to please everyone at the table.
Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delicious, comforting flavors of homemade tomato soup! Happy cooking!
Enjoy this Easy video tutorial about Tomato Soup
Source: Allrecipes
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