Are you craving delicious, homemade meals but short on time? Look no further! Pioneer Flour Mills recipes are your secret weapon for creating quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dishes, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend brunches. These recipes celebrate the simple joy of homemade cooking, using readily available ingredients to produce extraordinary results. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you'll find something to love in this collection of easy recipes and healthy meals.
Creamy Tomato Soup with Homemade Croutons
This creamy tomato soup recipe is a classic comfort food, elevated by the addition of homemade croutons for extra crunch. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients, expertly combined, can create a truly delicious dish. This quick dinner idea is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for a vegan option)
- 2 slices of your favorite bread, cubed for croutons
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for croutons
- Salt and pepper to taste for croutons
Instructions:
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Prepare the croutons: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss the bread cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the soup: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Blend and cream: Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth. Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream. Heat through, but do not boil.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the homemade croutons. Enjoy this delicious and healthy meal!
Cooking Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use roasted tomatoes instead of canned.
- Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices.
- If you don't have heavy cream, you can use milk or half-and-half.
Variations:
- Spicy Tomato Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup: Add a generous amount of fresh basil leaves before blending.
- Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Soup: Add a jar of roasted red peppers for a sweeter and smokier flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250-300 (depending on cream choice)
- Fat: Around 15-20g
- Protein: Around 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: Around 20-25g
This recipe is a testament to the versatility of Pioneer Flour Mills products and the ease of creating delicious, homemade food. Enjoy experimenting with different variations and sharing this wonderful recipe with your friends and family! Happy cooking!