Are you craving a warm, comforting bowl of creamy tomato soup but hesitant about the calorie count? Fear not! This recipe delivers all the delicious, velvety texture you love without the guilt. This healthy creamy tomato soup is a fantastic quick dinner idea, perfect for a chilly evening or a light yet satisfying lunch. It's so easy to make, even beginners can master this homemade cooking gem, and it's packed with flavor! Let's dive into this best recipe for a healthy and delicious creamy tomato soup.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk (or heavy cream for a richer, less healthy option)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the Soup: Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (undrained), vegetable broth, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour for a deeper flavor. The longer it simmers, the richer the taste becomes.
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Blend for Creamy Texture: Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until completely smooth and creamy. If using a regular blender, vent the lid to prevent pressure buildup.
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Stir in Coconut Milk: Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the coconut milk (or heavy cream) and heat through gently. Do not boil.
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Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Tips for the Best Creamy Tomato Soup:
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Roast the Tomatoes: For an even deeper, richer flavor, roast the tomatoes before adding them to the soup. Simply toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes.
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Adjust the Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder soup, omit them altogether.
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Add Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding other vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini during the simmering stage.
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Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Increase the basil to 1 ½ teaspoons for a more pronounced basil flavor.
- Spicy Tomato Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Creamy Tomato and Spinach Soup: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of simmering.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on using coconut milk and varies depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fiber: 3-5g
This healthy creamy tomato soup recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a comforting classic. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to your taste preferences, making it a perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. Enjoy!