There’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade tomato soup to warm your soul on a chilly day.
The rich, tangy flavor of ripe tomatoes combined with aromatic herbs creates a comforting dish that’s both timeless and satisfying.
I first encountered this quick and easy recipe during a bustling weeknight when time was of the essence but comfort was necessary.
This tomato soup, ready in just 30 minutes, is perfect for those who crave a homemade meal without the fuss.
Whether you’re serving it with a grilled cheese sandwich or enjoying it on its own, this soup is sure to become a household favorite.
Contents
- The History and Cultural Significance
- Recipe Overview
- Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Essential Equipment Guide
- Ingredients
- Preparation Methods
- Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Step 2: Heat the Oil
- Step 3: Sweat the Vegetables
- Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
- Step 5: Add Broth and Simmer
- Step 6: Blend the Soup
- Step 7: Strain the Soup
- Step 8: Finish with Cream
- Critical Timing and Temperature Guide
- Pro Tips for Quick and Easy Tomato Soup
- Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Variations and Regional Differences
- Food Science Behind the Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Serving and Presentation Guide
The History and Cultural Significance
• Quick and Easy Tomato Soup traces its origins to Southern Italy, where it was originally created by peasants using simple, locally available ingredients.
• The dish evolved over decades as tomatoes became more widely cultivated, and techniques for enhancing their flavor, such as roasting, were introduced.
• In Italian culture, this dish traditionally appears at family gatherings, symbolizing warmth and togetherness.
• While many variations exist across different regions, the authentic version maintains a smooth texture and vibrant tomato flavor that sets it apart from imitations.
Recipe Overview
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Essential Equipment Guide
Large Pot: A large pot is essential for evenly cooking the soup and allowing the flavors to meld together. A heavy-bottomed pot is ideal as it ensures even heat distribution, preventing the soup from scorching. Alternatives like Dutch ovens can also work well.
Immersion Blender: This tool is key for achieving the smooth, creamy texture typical of tomato soup. While a countertop blender can be used, an immersion blender is more convenient as it allows you to blend the soup directly in the pot.
Fine Mesh Strainer: To achieve a silky smooth soup, a fine mesh strainer can be used to remove any remaining tomato seeds or skin. It’s an optional step but makes a noticeable difference in texture.
Ingredients
For the Base
|
|
| Amount | Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2 tablespoons | olive oil | adds richness |
| 1 large | onion | chopped, adds sweetness |
Vegetables
| Amount | Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 cups | ripe tomatoes | chopped, core removed |
| 2 cloves | garlic | minced, enhances flavor |
Seasonings
| Amount | Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon | salt | enhances flavor |
| 1 teaspoon | sugar | balances acidity |
| 1 teaspoon | dried basil | adds aroma |
For Finishing
| Amount | Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | vegetable broth | adjusts consistency |
| 1/4 cup | heavy cream | adds creaminess |
Preparation Methods
Sweating Vegetables: Sweating involves cooking chopped onions and garlic in olive oil over low heat until they become translucent and release their flavors. This technique is crucial for building the base flavor of the soup without browning.
Simmering: After adding tomatoes and broth, simmering the mixture allows the flavors to intensify and meld. It’s important to maintain a gentle simmer rather than a boil to prevent the tomatoes from breaking down too much.
Blending: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Blending not only improves texture but also helps integrate the flavors by breaking down the ingredients into a cohesive mixture.
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Start by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
Chop the tomatoes into small pieces, removing the core.
Measure out the olive oil, salt, sugar, and dried basil.
Have the vegetable broth and heavy cream ready.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Place a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil.
Allow the oil to heat up until it shimmers.
This should take about 1-2 minutes.
Be careful not to let the oil smoke.
Step 3: Sweat the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot.
Cook them over low heat until the onion becomes translucent.
This should take about 5 minutes.
Stir occasionally to prevent browning.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot.
Stir in the salt, sugar, and dried basil.
Mix everything together until well combined.
Allow the mixture to cook for another 5 minutes.
Step 5: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the vegetable broth.
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Once simmering, lower the heat to maintain a gentle bubble.
Simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 6: Blend the Soup
Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender.
Blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
Ensure there are no large tomato pieces left.
If using a countertop blender, blend in batches.
Step 7: Strain the Soup
Place a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl.
Pour the blended soup through the strainer to remove any seeds or skins.
Use a spoon to help push the liquid through.
This step ensures a silky texture.
Step 8: Finish with Cream
Return the strained soup to the pot over low heat.
Stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated.
Heat through gently, without boiling.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Critical Timing and Temperature Guide
Sweating Vegetables: Cook onions and garlic over low heat for 5 minutes until translucent; avoid browning for optimal flavor.
Simmering: Maintain a gentle simmer for 15 minutes; a rapid boil can break down the tomatoes too much, altering texture.
Blending: Blend while the soup is warm but not too hot; hot liquids can be dangerous to blend in closed blenders.
Pro Tips for Quick and Easy Tomato Soup
• Ingredient Selection: Choose ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor; Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes work exceptionally well.
• Preparation Secret: Adding a pinch of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, enhancing their natural sweetness.
• Temperature Management: Ensure the soup is not too hot before blending to prevent accidents.
• Texture Enhancement: Strain the soup for a silky finish that’s characteristic of high-quality tomato soup.
• Flavor Layering: Sautéing the onions and garlic slowly builds a rich base flavor that complements the tomatoes.
• Make-Ahead Strategies: The soup can be made a day in advance; store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
• Restaurant-Quality Finishing Touches: Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil or garnish with fresh basil for a refined presentation.
• Equipment Optimization: If using a countertop blender, blend in batches to avoid overfilling and potential accidents.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
• Soup Too Watery: This can be caused by using too much broth; reduce the amount or simmer longer to thicken.
• Flavors Unbalanced: If the soup tastes too acidic, add a bit more sugar or cream to balance.
• Texture Too Chunky: Ensure that the soup is blended thoroughly and strained for a smooth finish.
• Burnt Flavor: This can occur if the onions and garlic are cooked too quickly; always sweat them gently.
• Soup Too Bland: Adjust seasoning by adding more salt or a splash of vinegar to brighten the flavors.
Variations and Regional Differences
• Spanish Style: Includes roasted red peppers for added depth and is often served with a drizzle of olive oil and sherry vinegar.
• Indian Twist: Spiced with cumin and coriander, this version is often served with a dollop of yogurt for creaminess.
• French Bisque: Enriched with butter and cream, this luxurious version is strained multiple times for an ultra-smooth texture.
• American Classic: Often includes canned tomatoes and is paired with a grilled cheese sandwich for a nostalgic meal.
Food Science Behind the Recipe
• Maillard Reaction: While not heavily involved in this recipe, the initial sweating of the onions allows for mild caramelization, enhancing depth of flavor.
• Acid-Base Balance: The sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, crucial for a pleasant taste profile.
• Emulsification: The addition of cream creates an emulsion, giving the soup a rich, velvety finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most common mistake people make when preparing Tomato Soup? Overcooking the onions can lead to a bitter flavor, so ensure they are sweated gently.
Can I use canned tomatoes? Yes, canned tomatoes can be used when fresh tomatoes are not in season; opt for high-quality, whole canned tomatoes for the best results.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat gently before serving.
Can I freeze the soup? Yes, this soup freezes well; cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
What can I serve with tomato soup? A classic grilled cheese sandwich is the perfect accompaniment, or serve with crusty bread for dipping.
How do I prevent the soup from being too acidic? Balancing with sugar and cream can help, but also ensure the tomatoes are ripe and sweet.
Is it necessary to strain the soup? While not required, straining the soup results in a much smoother texture, which is often preferred.
Serving and Presentation Guide
• Traditional Presentation: Serve in a warm bowl, drizzled with a touch of olive oil and garnished with fresh basil leaves.
• Modern Twist: Present in a shallow bowl with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper.
• Rustic Style: Serve with a side of crusty bread on a wooden board for a cozy, homely feel.
• Elegant Touch: Use a small ladle to create a neat, circular portion in the center of the plate, topped with microgreens.
Conclusion
This quick and easy tomato soup is not only delicious but also a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients.
In just 30 minutes, you can create a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.
Give this recipe a try and experience the joy of homemade soup that warms the heart and soul.
I love how simple this recipe is! I always end up burning my first batch of soup, but I think I’ll finally get it right this time. What’s your secret for not making a mess in the kitchen?
This tomato soup sounds so good! I tried to make a similar recipe once, but it turned into tomato sauce—my pasta was so confused! What’s your favorite thing to pair with tomato soup?
Did you know that tomatoes were once thought to be poisonous? It’s funny to think about since they’re now a kitchen staple! Do you have any other fun facts about tomatoes?