Homemade Tomato Soup

When it comes to comforting and satisfying meals, few things can beat a warm bowl of homemade tomato soup. If you’re looking to warm up on a chilly day or simply crave a classic and delicious soup, tomato soup is a great option that can be enjoyed year round.

Making your own tomato soup from scratch might seem daunting, but with a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, anyone can whip up a delicious pot of this comforting soup in no time.

In this article, I will show you the benefits of homemade tomato soup, share an easy recipe, and offer some tips for taking your soup to the next level. So, grab your apron and get ready to enjoy the cozy and comforting goodness of homemade tomato soup.

Homemade Tomato Soup

Here is a recipe for homemade tomato soup:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
• Garnishes: grated Parmesan cheese, croutons, shredded basil

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes have broken down.
3. Puree the soup in a blender or food processor until smooth.
4. Stir in the heavy cream (if using) and adjust the seasonings to taste.
5. Serve hot with your favorite garnishes.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, roast the tomatoes before pureeing them. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Cut the tomatoes in half and place them on a baking sheet cut side up. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and slightly charred.
• If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use milk or half-and-half instead.
• Serve the soup with your favorite toppings, such as grated Parmesan cheese, croutons, shredded basil, or a dollop of sour cream.

How To Make Thick Tomato Soup?

There are a few ways to make thick tomato soup. Here are a few tips:

• Use tomato paste. Tomato paste is a concentrated form of tomatoes that will add thickness to your soup. Simply add a tablespoon or two of tomato paste to your soup and simmer until it has thickened.
• Use a roux. A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that can be used to thicken soups and sauces. To make a roux, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of flour until smooth. Slowly whisk in the hot soup, stirring constantly, until the roux has dissolved and the soup has thickened.
• Use cornstarch. Cornstarch is another common thickening agent. To use cornstarch, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water. Add the cornstarch mixture to the hot soup, stirring constantly, until the soup has thickened.
• Simmer the soup. Simply simmering the soup for a longer period of time can also help to thicken it. As the soup simmers, the water will evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, more concentrated soup.

No matter which method you choose, be sure to stir the soup constantly as it thickens to prevent it from clumping.

What Are Some Common Mistakes To Avoid When Making Homemade Tomato Soup?

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making homemade tomato soup:

• Using canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes.
• Overcooking the tomatoes.
• Adding too much water or milk to the soup.
• Not seasoning the soup to taste.
• Serving the soup without a garnish.

Is Homemade Tomato Soup Good For You?

Yes, homemade tomato soup can be a healthy and delicious meal. Tomatoes are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked with a reduced risk of cancer. Homemade tomato soup is also a good source of fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied.

What Is The Best Way To Serve Tomato Soup?

Tomato soup is traditionally served hot and can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of crusty bread or crackers. Some people also like to top their tomato soup with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese.

Cooking Time

The cooking time for homemade tomato soup can vary depending on the recipe you use, the type of tomatoes you use, and the size of your pot. However, most recipes will take between 20 and 30 minutes to cook.

Here is a general overview of the steps involved in making homemade tomato soup:

1. Heat some olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add some chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add some garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Add some diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and any other desired ingredients.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes have broken down and the soup has thickened.
6. Puree the soup with an immersion blender or in a blender until smooth.
7. Season the soup to taste with salt, pepper, and other herbs or spices.
8. Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as croutons, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.

Nutritional Facts

Here are the nutritional facts for a 1-cup serving of homemade tomato soup:

• Calories: 75
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 468 mg
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Dietary fiber: 3 g
• Sugars: 8 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Vitamin A: 135 mcg
• Vitamin C: 19.88 mg
• Calcium: 35.75 mg
• Iron: 1.06 mg

Conclusion

Making homemade tomato soup is a simple and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of fresh tomatoes. By using high-quality ingredients and following the simple steps in this article, you can create a soup that is healthy, flavorful, and comforting.

So why not try making your own batch of tomato soup today and savor the taste of ripe, juicy tomatoes in every spoonful?

FAQS