Tomato soup is a simple and delicious dish that brings warmth and comfort with its rich, tangy flavors. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for a light lunch or a starter to a hearty meal. It’s packed with the goodness of fresh tomatoes and can be enjoyed with croutons or garlic bread.
Ingredients:
- 6-7 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, peeled and chopped (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 2 cups vegetable stock or water
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cream or coriander leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Add the chopped carrots (if using) and sauté for another 2 minutes.
- Cook the Tomatoes:
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and stir well.
- Cook the tomatoes for 5-7 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Add vegetable stock (or water) to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Lower the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until all the vegetables are fully cooked and soft.
- Blend the Soup:
- Once the tomatoes and vegetables are cooked, remove the pot from heat.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can blend the soup in batches using a regular blender.
- Return the blended soup to the pot and place it on low heat.
- Season the Soup:
- Add black pepper, salt, sugar (if using), and dried basil. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Adjust the consistency by adding a little water or stock if the soup is too thick.
- Serve:
- Pour the hot tomato soup into bowls. Garnish with a swirl of fresh cream or chopped coriander leaves for extra flavor and presentation.
- Serve with croutons or garlic bread on the side.
Tips for Perfect Tomato Soup:
- Tomatoes: Use ripe, red tomatoes for the best flavor. You can also add a little tomato paste for deeper color and richness.
- Carrot: Adding a small carrot gives natural sweetness to balance the tanginess of the tomatoes.
- Creamy Texture: If you prefer a creamier soup, add a tablespoon of cream or milk while simmering the soup.
Presentation Tips:
- Serve the soup in bowls with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
- Add homemade croutons on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.
Nutrition Chart for Tomato Soup (per serving)
• Calories —————— 90 kcal
• Total Fat —————— 4 g
• Cholesterol ————— 5 mg
• Sodium ——————– 300 mg
• Total Carbohydrates — 12 g
• Protein ——————— 2 g
• Sugar ———————— 6 g
• Fiber ———————— 3 g
Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used and cooking methods.
