16 Apr 2025
Cook time 45 min
Prep time 5 min
Ingredients:
3 tomatoes
1 onion
1 carrot
3 stalks celery
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp tomato puree
1 tsp sugar
4.50 cups vegetable broth
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Tomato soup is a classic and comforting dish that is both delicious and easy to prepare. It's a perfect choice for a light lunch, appetizer, or as a side dish. This recipe uses fresh vegetables and a blend of spices to create a rich, flavorful soup that is sure to warm you up on a chilly day.
Instructions:
1. Preparation:
- Rinse the tomatoes, onion, carrot, and celery thoroughly under running water.
- Dice the tomatoes into small chunks.
- Peel and finely chop the onion.
- Peel the carrot and slice it into thin rounds.
- Trim the ends of the celery stalks and chop them into small pieces.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery.
- Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the carrot and celery have softened.
3. Add Tomatoes and Tomato Puree:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and 2 teaspoons of tomato puree.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Add Seasonings and Broth:
- Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Pour in 4.5 cups of vegetable broth.
- Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Simmer the Soup:
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are very tender.
6. Blend the Soup:
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender to puree.
- Always be cautious when handling hot liquids. If using a countertop blender, make sure to remove the central insert of the lid to let steam escape and cover the hole with a kitchen towel while blending.
7. Final Adjustments:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve:
- Ladle the hot tomato soup into bowls.
- Optionally, garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, fresh basil leaves, or a splash of cream for added richness.
Tips:
- Roast the tomatoes before adding them to the soup for an extra depth of flavor.
- Blend the soup in batches if you don't have a large blender to avoid spillage.
- Add a splash of cream or milk at the end for a creamier consistency.
- Serve with crusty bread or croutons for added texture.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more salt, pepper, or even some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
In just a few steps, you can create a delicious and hearty tomato soup that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich or as part of a larger meal, this homemade soup will surely impress your family and friends. Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of tomato soup!