This Fresh Tomato Soup is vibrant, rich, and packed with the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes. It’s simple to make with just a handful of ingredients and is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich or some crusty bread for a cozy meal.
📋 Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil 🛢️
- 1 medium onion, chopped 🧅
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 6 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped (about 2 lbs) 🍅
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth 🍲
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional) 🍬
- Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk (optional) 🥛
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish 🌿
📝 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Soup Base:
- Sauté the onions:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic:
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes:
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down and released their juices.
2. Simmer the Soup:
- Add broth and seasonings:
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Add the sugar (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes.
3. Blend the Soup:
- Blend until smooth:
- Remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth. Return the soup to the pot.
4. Add Cream (Optional) and Adjust Seasoning:
- Stir in cream:
- If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream or milk. Mix well to combine.
- Taste and adjust:
- Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve:
- Garnish and serve:
- Ladle the Fresh Tomato Soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper.
🍽️ Tips:
- Roasting for deeper flavor: For a deeper flavor, roast the tomatoes with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes before adding them to the pot.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
⏱️ Preparation Time: 10 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 30 minutes
⏱️ Total Time: 40 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4 servings
🔥 Calories: Approximately 150-200 kcal per serving
This Fresh Tomato Soup is light, full of flavor, and perfect for a comforting meal. It captures the essence of ripe tomatoes and makes for a deliciously fresh and healthy soup. 🍅🥣🌿