A step-by-step guide to making a comforting and flavorful tomato soup:
Ingredients:
- 6-8 ripe tomatoes, medium-sized
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, chopped (optional)
- 1 celery stalk, chopped (optional)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Croutons or bread for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Wash the tomatoes and score a small "X" on the bottom of each tomato using a knife.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Carefully place the tomatoes in the boiling water for about 1-2 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the tomatoes and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This blanching process helps in easily removing the skin.
- Once cooled, peel off the skin from the tomatoes. Cut the tomatoes into quarters and remove the seeds. Chop the tomatoes roughly.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large pot, melt butter or heat oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent and soft.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Vegetables (Optional):
- If using carrots and celery, add them to the pot and sauté for a few minutes until slightly softened.
4. Cook the Tomatoes:
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and stir well.
- Cook the tomatoes for about 10-15 minutes, allowing them to release their juices and break down.
5. Blend the Mixture:
- Once the tomatoes are cooked and soft, use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a regular blender (in batches if needed) and blend until smooth.
6. Add Broth:
- Return the blended tomato mixture to the pot.
- Add the vegetable or chicken broth to the pot and stir to combine. You can adjust the amount of broth depending on your preferred thickness.
7. Season and Simmer:
- Season the soup with salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of sugar (if using) to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
8. **Finish the Soup:**
- If using heavy cream, stir it into the soup to add richness and creaminess.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
9. **Serve:**
- Ladle the hot tomato soup into bowls.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve the soup with croutons or slices of bread on the side.
**Tips:**
- You can customize the soup by adding herbs like thyme or oregano for extra flavor.
- For a smoother texture, you can strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer before adding the broth.
- Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less broth as desired.
- If you prefer a completely smooth texture, you can use a high-speed blender to blend the soup until silky.
Enjoy your homemade tomato soup, perfect for warming up on a chilly day!