Craving a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal? Look no further! This Tomato and Feta Soup recipe is your answer. It’s a vibrant dish bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light and satisfying lunch. Best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it one of the best recipes for busy cooks. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Sauté the 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 the delicious base of your soup.
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Simmer the soup: Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later!
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Blend (optional): For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup to your desired consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Blend until smooth, then return to the pot.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil leaves (if using). Serve warm and enjoy this delicious and healthy meal!
Tips for the Best Tomato and Feta Soup:
- Roast the tomatoes: For an even deeper, richer tomato flavor, roast the tomatoes before adding them to the soup. Simply toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or zucchini along with the onions for added nutrition and flavor.
- Adjust the spice: If you prefer a milder soup, omit the red pepper flakes or use a smaller amount. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use fresh herbs: If you have fresh oregano and basil on hand, use about 1 tablespoon of each, chopped. Fresh herbs will elevate the flavor significantly.
Variations:
- Creamy Tomato and Feta Soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a creamier texture.
- Lemon Tomato and Feta Soup: Add the juice of half a lemon to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking for a bright, zesty flavor.
- Tomato and Feta Soup with Pasta: Add small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a heartier meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 8-10 grams
- Fat: 12-15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
This delicious and healthy Tomato and Feta Soup is a quick dinner idea that's perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a versatile recipe that you can easily customize to your liking, making it a staple in your healthy meals rotation. Enjoy!