Description
Creamy Tomato Soup with Toast
Ingredients:
For the Tomato Soup:
4 cups canned crushed tomatoes
1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried thyme
For the Toast:
2 slices of your favorite bread
1 tbsp butter
Instructions:
Make the Tomato Soup:
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Blend the Soup (Optional):
For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. Blend until creamy and smooth.
Prepare the Toast:
While the soup simmers, butter the slices of bread and toast them until golden and crispy.
Serve:
Pour the soup into bowls, top with a swirl of cream, and sprinkle with additional dried herbs or fresh parsley if desired. Serve with the toasted bread on the side.
Enjoy:
This comforting and creamy tomato soup is perfect for any season and pairs beautifully with crispy toast!
Let me know if you’d like more recipes!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect soup every time. First, gather all ingredients. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Heat the olive oil in your pot over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the onion and garlic, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until they are translucent and fragrant. This builds the flavor base. Next, add the crushed tomatoes, broth, and dried herbs. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, and let it cook for the full 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Reduce heat to low before stirring in the heavy cream to prevent curdling. For an ultra-smooth finish, use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or carefully blend in a countertop blender in batches, ensuring the steam can escape.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate this classic dish with creative accompaniments. Serve the soup in a warm bowl with a drizzle of cream, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or chives, or a crack of black pepper. For texture, try homemade croutons, a grilled cheese sandwich, or a sprinkle of parmesan crisps. The toast can be upgraded by using artisan bread, rubbing it with a garlic clove after toasting, or sprinkling it with grated parmesan before toasting.
How-to Summary
In short: Sauté onion and garlic. Add tomatoes, broth, and herbs; simmer. Stir in cream. Blend if desired. Serve with buttered toast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need about 2 pounds of ripe Roma tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and crush them. The soup may be less rich and require a longer simmer to break down.
How can I make this soup dairy-free?
Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream blend for a similar creamy texture.
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream from separating.
Can I freeze this tomato soup?
It’s best to freeze the soup before adding the cream. Thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat, and then stir in the cream.
My soup tastes too acidic. How can I fix it?
A pinch of sugar or a grated carrot cooked with the onions can balance acidity. A tablespoon of butter stirred in at the end also helps mellow the flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Burning the Aromatics: Sauté onions and garlic on medium, not high, heat to avoid a bitter taste.
- Boiling After Adding Cream: Never let the soup boil once cream is added, as it can curdle. Keep it on a low simmer.
- Underseasoning: Tomato soups need ample salt. Season in stages, tasting after simmering and again after adding cream.
- Blending Hot Soup Unsafely: If using a countertop blender, never fill it more than halfway and hold the lid firmly with a towel to prevent explosive steam burns.
Conclusion
This creamy tomato soup recipe is a timeless classic that combines simplicity with deep, comforting flavor. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home. Its versatility allows for easy customization to suit dietary needs and personal taste. Paired with perfectly crispy toast, it remains an unbeatable meal for any day of the week. Enjoy the process and the delicious result.