Description
Classic tomato soup delights with rich, velvety flavors from ripe Italian tomatoes and fresh herbs. Home cooks will savor this comforting bowl that transports you to a rustic kitchen in Tuscany.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 (28 oz) cans whole tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter for richness)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
- Optional garnish: Fresh basil leaves, croutons, or a drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
- Warm olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and soft, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic to the pot, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for one minute.
- Incorporate tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, intensifying the rich tomato profile.
- Pour in canned tomatoes, crushing them with a spoon, and add vegetable or chicken broth to create a robust liquid base.
- Enhance the soup’s complexity by stirring in basil, oregano, and optional sugar, then season with salt and pepper to personal preference.
- Elevate the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and develop.
- Transform the soup’s texture using an immersion blender for a smooth consistency, or carefully transfer to a countertop blender in batches.
- Introduce heavy cream or half-and-half for a luxurious finish, tasting and adjusting seasonings as needed.
- Present the soup piping hot, adorned with fresh basil leaves, crisp croutons, or a delicate drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch.
Notes
- Swap out heavy cream for lighter alternatives like coconut milk or Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add a tangy twist.
- Roast fresh tomatoes before blending to intensify their natural sweetness and create a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
- Customize the soup’s texture by adjusting blending time – leave some chunks for rustic appeal or blend completely smooth for a velvety consistency.
- Enhance nutrition by adding a handful of spinach or kale during the simmering stage, which will boost vitamins without changing the soup’s core flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 115 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg