Hearty Tomato Soup Recipe

Tomato soup is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed year-round. Perfect for chilly evenings or a quick lunch on a warm day, this rich and savory tomato soup recipe will satisfy your taste buds with every spoonful. The process of making homemade tomato soup from scratch ensures the highest quality ingredients and allows you to control the spiciness level according to personal preference.

The following instructions provide a simple yet satisfying tomato soup recipe that can be enjoyed by all ages. Let's explore how to prepare this versatile dish!

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped finely (about 1 cup)
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spiciness)
4 cups chicken broth
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Cheese, chopped parsley, or sour cream (for garnish)

Instructions

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once warm, add the finely chopped onion and garlic. Stir frequently until the onions become translucent and start to soften.
Add the diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and chicken broth to the pot. Gently stir everything together before bringing it to a simmer.
Once your soup reaches a gentle simmer, reduce heat slightly and let cook for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. During this time, ensure you keep an eye on it so that the mixture doesn’t stick or burn at any point during cooking.
After cooking, use an immersion blender to blend half of your soup until smooth, then pour into a blender and process the remaining half until silky smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids; always allow steam to escape safely from the lid by removing it slightly or leaving room for release.
Once blended, return all the batches back into the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving. Garnish with cheese, chopped parsley, or sour cream if desired.

Cooking Time & Servings

The entire preparation time for this tomato soup is approximately 45 minutes, including the blending process and simmering. You will have enough servings to share among four people comfortably.

Why Make Homemade Tomato Soup?

Homemade tomato soup offers numerous benefits beyond just being delicious. It’s packed with vitamins A and C which are essential for maintaining healthy skin, eyesight, and boosting the immune system. Additionally, this dish is relatively inexpensive to prepare compared to store-bought alternatives, making it an economical choice as well.

Moreover, there's a certain satisfaction in knowing exactly what goes into your meal when you cook from scratch. By controlling the amount of sugar and salt used, you can tailor the flavor profile according to individual preferences while reducing unnecessary additives typically found in processed foods.

Variations & Tips

To give your tomato soup an extra layer of depth, consider adding a bit of heavy cream towards the end of cooking for added richness. Alternatively, experiment with different types of herbs such as thyme or rosemary instead of basil and oregano. If you prefer a spicier version, increase the quantity of red pepper flakes or even throw in some jalapenos.

For those looking to make this dish vegan-friendly, ensure that your chicken broth is replaced with vegetable stock or use coconut milk for an alternative base.

Conclusion

In conclusion, homemade tomato soup is more than just a simple meal; it's a testament to the joy of culinary creativity and sharing good food with loved ones. Whether enjoyed on its own as a light lunch or paired alongside grilled cheese sandwiches for a hearty dinner, this recipe promises flavor and warmth that will bring smiles around the table.

So why not give it a try? Start by gathering your ingredients and follow these easy steps to create a comforting bowl of tomato soup today!