Tomato Soup Recipes

Introduction

Tomato soup is a classic dish beloved by many for its rich, comforting flavors and versatility. From creamy versions to tangy bisques, tomato soup can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs. In this guide, we will explore a variety of tomato soup recipes, offering detailed instructions and tips to help you create the perfect bowl every time.

Health Benefits of Tomato Soup

Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants like lycopene. Consuming tomato soup can help boost your immune system, improve skin health, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Including tomato soup in your diet is a delicious way to reap these health benefits.

Classic Tomato Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cans (28 ounces each) whole tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Season and Sweeten: Stir in the salt, black pepper, sugar, and red pepper flakes if using. This step enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
3. Add Tomato Paste: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
4. Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth: Add the whole tomatoes (with their juices) and the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Blend to Perfection: Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can blend the soup in batches using a regular blender.
6. Finish with Cream: If desired, stir in the heavy cream for a richer texture. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Season and Simmer: Add salt, pepper, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Blend and Add Cream: Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream and chopped basil leaves.
4. Serve: Garnish with additional basil and serve hot.

Spicy Tomato Soup with Roasted Red Peppers

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 2 roasted red peppers, chopped
• 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and cook until soft. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Spice It Up: Stir in smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and cumin. Cook for 2 minutes to release the flavors.
3. Add Roasted Peppers and Tomatoes: Mix in the chopped roasted red peppers and crushed tomatoes. Add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
4. Simmer and Blend: Reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth.
5. Finish and Serve: Stir in sour cream if desired. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Tomato Basil Bisque

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/4 cup flour
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the carrot, celery, and onion. Cook until vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Add Tomato Paste and Flour: Stir in tomato paste and flour. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Incorporate Broth and Tomatoes: Gradually add the vegetable broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the crushed tomatoes and bring to a boil.
4. Simmer and Blend: Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth.
5. Finish with Cream and Basil: Stir in the heavy cream and chopped basil leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with additional basil.

Tomato Soup Variations

Vegan Tomato Soup

• Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
• Use coconut milk or a non-dairy cream substitute instead of heavy cream.
• Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Low-Sodium Tomato Soup

• Use low-sodium or no-salt-added canned tomatoes and broth.
• Reduce or eliminate added salt.
• Enhance flavor with herbs and spices instead of salt.

Gluten-Free Tomato Soup

• Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickening agent.
• Ensure all ingredients, such as broth and canned tomatoes, are gluten-free.