Are you craving a warm, comforting bowl of deliciousness on a chilly evening? Look no further! This creamy tomato soup recipe is the perfect blend of simple, healthy, and incredibly flavorful. It's one of those easy recipes that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. This homemade cooking masterpiece is sure to become a staple in your best recipes collection!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces canned tomato sauce
- 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 little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for a vegan 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 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step builds a deep flavor base for your soup.
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Simmer the Tomatoes: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Season generously with salt and pepper. 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 richer, deeper flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.
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Blend for Creamy Texture: Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth and creamy. Work in batches if using a regular blender, venting the lid to release steam. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
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Stir in Cream: Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and heat through gently. Do not boil.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. This delicious and healthy meal is perfect served with crusty bread for dipping.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- 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 minutes.
- 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.
- Add some sweetness: A teaspoon of sugar or a splash of balsamic vinegar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Make it chunky: If you prefer a chunkier soup, simply skip the blending step.
Variations:
- Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Add a cup of fresh basil leaves during the simmering stage for a more intense basil flavor.
- Spicy Tomato Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño pepper for extra heat.
- Tomato Soup with Vegetables: Add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or zucchini during the sautéing stage.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 (depending on cream used) Fat: 15-20g Protein: 5-7g Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This creamy tomato soup is a perfect example of delicious and healthy meals you can easily prepare at home. It’s a quick dinner idea that’s perfect for busy weeknights and a fantastic addition to your food recipes collection. Enjoy!