Hello there fellow foodies! If you’re like me, nothing beats a bowl of warm and comforting tomato soup on a cold and rainy day. It’s simple, hearty, and delicious. But let’s be honest, not all tomato soup recipes are created equal. Some can be too thin, too chunky, or too bland. That’s why I’m here to share with you the ultimate guide to making the best tomato soup recipe ever!
Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a culinary expert to make this recipe. All you need are some fresh tomatoes, a few pantry staples, and a bit of patience. We’ll be going through every step of the recipe in detail, so you won’t miss a thing. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the most delicious and flavorful tomato soup that will make your taste buds sing!
The Best Tomato Soup Recipe
History of Tomato Soup
Tomato soup has unquestionably become one of the go-to soups in America. This flavorful soup has been in existence for decades and has been a crowd favorite since the beginning. The first record of tomato soup dates back to 1872 when Joseph A. Campbell and Abraham Anderson established a company that later became the world-known Campbell Soup Company. After five years of creating the company, Anderson proposed the idea of a canned tomato soup, and it was an instant hit. Campbell’s Tomato Soup was the silver lining during the Great Depression and World War II. This soup became a staple for many households because it warmed their hearts and filled their stomachs. Today, tomato soup remains a classic soup and has evolved into different variations worldwide.
Ingredients
A perfect tomato soup requires only the freshest ingredients. Here are the necessary ingredients to make the best tomato soup you’ve ever had:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) of crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pro Tip: You can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones if you prefer, but it is more convenient to use canned tomatoes.
Cooking Process
Follow these step-by-step instructions to start making the best tomato soup you have ever tasted:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Then add the onions and sauté them for about 5 minutes until they become translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes more.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and dried basil. Stir, then bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup into a blender to puree the soup to a smooth consistency.
- Return the soup to the pot, stir in the cream, and simmer until heated through. Do not boil.
- Serve with a garnish of croutons, grated parmesan cheese, or fresh basil leaves. Enjoy!
Pro Tip: For added flavor, you can roast fresh tomatoes and garlic in the oven before adding them to the pot. This step will make your tomato soup even more delicious.
In conclusion, there is something special about tomato soup that makes it a cherished soup for many. Whether you are making it from scratch or enjoying a can of Campbell’s Tomato Soup, it will always be a comforting classic. By following this recipe, you can enjoy the best tomato soup all year round.
Variations of Tomato Soup
Classic Tomato Soup
If you are a fan of the timeless tomato soup, try the original recipe that has been passed down through generations. This recipe is simple yet delicious and can be enjoyed on its own or as an accompaniment to a healthy sandwich. To prepare this classic tomato soup, you will need tomato puree, butter, flour, sugar, salt, and pepper.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and then add flour. Keep stirring for at least two minutes to avoid lumps. Slowly pour in tomato puree and keep whisking while adding sugar, salt, and pepper. Keep the mixture simmering for about 10 minutes and then remove from heat. Your classic tomato soup is now ready to be served.
Gourmet Tomato Soup
If you’re looking for a slightly fancier version of tomato soup, this gourmet recipe is perfect for you. This recipe adds a touch of sophistication by adding some gourmet ingredients like fresh herbs, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Here’s how you can make this delightful soup:
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of butter,1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped, 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, 1 can of whole peeled tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh oregano, ¼ cup of heavy cream, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
To start, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add onions and cook until they are translucent. Whisk in flour and continue stirring for about two minutes until it becomes a paste. Pour in broth and chopped tomatoes, then add basil and oregano. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Remove from heat and allow it to cool before blending into a puree using a blender. Transfer the puree into the saucepan and add cream. Cook over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve your gourmet tomato soup with some grated Parmesan cheese and a side of crusty bread.
Spicy Tomato Soup
If you like adding a little heat to your meals, try this spicy tomato soup recipe that will warm you up on a chilly evening. This recipe has a combination of flavors that will give you a spicy and smoky taste. Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 large yellow onion, chopped, 2 garlic cloves, minced, 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 2 cans of crushed tomatoes, 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed, 2 teaspoons of honey, Juice of 1 lime, Salt and pepper to taste, Sour cream or cheddar cheese, to garnish.
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and add onion and garlic. Cook for about five minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add smoked paprika and chili powder and stir for about a minute before adding crushed tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, and black beans.
Allow the mixture to simmer for about 20 minutes and then stir in honey, lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth or until it is your desired consistency.
To serve, garnish with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheddar cheese and a few sprigs of fresh cilantro or basil. Enjoy your spicy tomato soup with some warm bread rolls for a satisfying meal.
Tips and Tricks
Blender or Food Processor?
When it comes to making that oh-so-smooth tomato soup texture, you might wonder which kitchen appliance is best suited to the job. The truth is, both a blender and a food processor can get the job done, but there are subtle differences to consider.
A blender typically has sharper blades that are better for crushing ice and frozen fruit, but might have difficulty with larger chunks of tomato or other vegetables. On the other hand, a food processor has blades that are designed for chopping and slicing, which makes it ideal for processing larger pieces of food.
So, if you’re looking for an ultra-smooth texture, we recommend using a blender. If you prefer your soup to have some texture, opt for a food processor instead. To be safe, consider blending your soup in batches and then running it through a strainer if you want to remove any remaining chunks.
Serve with Grilled Cheese
Tomato soup and grilled cheese make the perfect pairing, and it’s easy to see why these two classics are a match made in heaven. The creamy, tangy tomato soup adds a bright burst of flavor to the rich, buttery taste of the grilled cheese sandwich.
For the ultimate comfort food experience, try adding some extra toppings to your grilled cheese. Some popular options include crispy bacon, juicy slices of tomato, or even a fried egg. You can also add some herbs or spices to your tomato soup to give it an extra kick. Basil and oregano both complement the tomato flavor well.
Store and Reheat
If you’ve got some leftover tomato soup, there are some simple steps you can take to store and reheat it properly so that you can enjoy it later.
First, make sure to let the soup cool down before putting it into any airtight containers. This allows the temperature to equalize and prevents steam from forming inside the container, which can lead to bacteria growth.
When you’re ready to reheat your soup, it’s best to do so on a stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure that the soup is heated evenly. If you’re in a rush, you can use a microwave, but be sure to use a microwave-safe bowl and stir the soup every 30 seconds to prevent it from boiling over.
If you’re planning to freeze your soup, consider using individual servings so that you can easily thaw and reheat only what you need. You can also add some heavy cream when reheating the soup to give it an extra creamy texture.
In conclusion, by using a blender or a food processor, serving with grilled cheese, and knowing how to store and reheat your leftover tomato soup, you can elevate your tomato soup game to the next level. These simple tips and tricks will help ensure that your tomato soup is always smooth, creamy, and delicious, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Thank You for Joining the Tomato Soup Revolution!
Congratulations, you’ve just learned how to make the best tomato soup recipe ever! We hope this guide has inspired you to get creative in the kitchen and experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make the recipe your own.
We’re thrilled to have you as a part of our community of foodies, and we encourage you to share your own tips, tricks, and variations for the recipe in the comments section below. Remember, cooking is all about making it your own and having fun while doing it.
Thanks for being a part of our tomato soup revolution. We can’t wait to see what culinary masterpieces you’ll come up with next. Don’t forget to come back and visit us for more delicious recipes and cooking tips. Happy cooking!
FAQ
1. Can I use canned tomatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes. Just make sure to drain them before adding them to the soup.
2. How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk.
3. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup. Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to three months.
4. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh herbs in this recipe. Just double the amount of herbs called for in the recipe if using fresh.
5. How long does this recipe take to make?
This recipe takes about an hour from start to finish.
6. Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like carrots or celery to this recipe for a more hearty soup.
7. What kind of tomatoes work best for this recipe?
Any type of fresh tomatoes will work for this recipe. Roma or plum tomatoes are great options because they have less water content and are meatier.
8. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 4 hours.
9. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this recipe vegetarian.
10. How can I make this recipe spicy?
To make this recipe spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. You can also add diced jalapenos or chili peppers to the soup.
