Tomato Soup Recipe

Tomato soup is a classic comfort food, loved by people of all ages for its rich, tangy flavor and soothing warmth. Whether served as a starter or a light meal, this soup is both nutritious and delicious. Here’s a comprehensive guide to making the perfect tomato soup at home.

Ingredients for Tomato Soup:

• Fresh tomatoes – 6-8 large, ripe
• Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
• Carrot – 1 medium, chopped
• Celery – 1 stalk, chopped (optional)
• Olive oil or butter – 2 tablespoons
• Vegetable or chicken broth – 4 cups
• Bay leaf – 1
• Salt – to taste
• Black pepper – to taste
• Sugar – 1 teaspoon (optional, to balance acidity)
• Fresh basil leaves – a handful (optional)
• Cream or milk – 1/4 cup (optional, for a creamier texture)

Instructions for Tomato Soup:

1. Preparing the Tomatoes:

• Start by washing the tomatoes thoroughly.
• To easily peel the tomatoes, score a small ‘X’ at the bottom of each tomato.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice and water.
• Blanch the tomatoes by placing them in the boiling water for about 30 seconds or until you see the skins start to peel back. Immediately transfer them to the ice bath.
• Once cooled, peel off the skins, remove the cores, and roughly chop the tomatoes. Set them aside.

2. Sauteing the Vegetables:

• In a large pot, warm the olive oil or butter over medium heat until it begins to shimmer.
• Add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic, chopped carrot, and celery (if using). Sauté for another 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.

3. Cooking the Soup:

• Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot along with the bay leaf.
• Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and stir to combine.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
• If using fresh basil leaves, add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

4. Blending the Soup:

• Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
• Blend the soup using an immersion blender directly in the pot until it reaches a smooth consistency. Alternatively, you can let the soup cool slightly and blend it in
• batches using a regular blender. Be sure to hold the lid down tightly with a kitchen towel to avoid hot splashes.
• Return the blended soup to the pot if you used a regular blender.

5. Seasoning and Finishing:

• Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper to your liking.
• If the soup tastes too acidic, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance it out.
• For a creamier texture, you can stir in cream or milk at this stage. Warm the soup gently until heated through, being careful not to let it come to a boil.

6. Serving the Soup:

• Ladle the hot tomato soup into bowls.
• Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, a swirl of cream, or a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves if desired.
• Serve the soup with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or croutons for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Tomato Soup:

• Tomatoes: Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor. Roma or plum tomatoes are ideal due to their rich taste and low moisture content.
• Broth: For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth. Chicken broth adds a richer flavor if you’re not restricted to vegetarian ingredients.
• Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, skip the cream. For a richer, more indulgent soup, add cream or whole milk.
• Blending: For a smoother texture, ensure the soup is well-blended. If you like a bit of texture, blend only half of the soup and mix it back in with the unblended portion.

Tomato soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Tomatoes are a great source of vitamins A and C, and they provide antioxidants like lycopene, which is beneficial for heart health. This homemade tomato soup is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a light lunch. Enjoy the comforting taste and warmth of this classic soup, and don’t forget to experiment with your own twists and toppings!