Are you craving a warm, comforting bowl of delicious tomato soup but short on time? Look no further! This easy tomato soup recipe, made with tomato juice as a base, is the perfect solution for a quick and healthy weeknight meal. It's bursting with fresh tomato flavor and surprisingly simple to make – even for beginner cooks! This recipe is perfect for those searching for easy recipes, healthy meals, or quick dinner ideas. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups tomato juice (low sodium preferred)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: fresh basil leaves, a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche, croutons
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan 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. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
Step 2: Simmer the Soup
Add the tomato juice, canned diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, and sugar (if using) to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Blend for Smoothness (Optional)
If you prefer a smoother soup, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth. Work in batches if using a regular blender and be cautious of hot liquids.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Return the soup to the saucepan (if blended) and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through gently. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as fresh basil leaves, a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche, or some crispy croutons.
Cooking Tips for the Best Tomato Soup:
- For a richer flavor: Use homemade tomato juice or add a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the onion.
- Adjust the seasonings: Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust the herbs, spices, and sugar to your liking.
- Don't overcook: Overcooking can result in a blander soup. Aim for a gentle simmer to preserve the bright tomato flavor.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for extra richness at the end.
Variations:
- Spicy Tomato Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Roasted Tomato Soup: Roast the tomatoes before adding them to the soup for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Creamy Tomato Soup: Blend in some cooked potatoes or carrots for a creamier texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a typical serving contains roughly:
- Calories: 100-150
- Protein: 3-5g
- Fat: 3-5g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This simple tomato soup recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes you can create with homemade cooking. Enjoy this quick and healthy meal, perfect for any time of year! It's one of the best recipes for easy weeknight dinners, proving that healthy meals don't have to be complicated.