Ashley’s Amazing Tomato Soup

🍅 Ashley’s Amazing Tomato Soup 🍅

Ashley’s Amazing Tomato Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any time of the year, but especially during those cold winter days. This classic tomato soup is known for its rich, savory flavor and velvety texture. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what it is, its history, components, preparation steps, and time needed to prepare it:

What is Ashley’s Amazing Tomato Soup?
Ashley’s Amazing Tomato Soup is a traditional tomato-based soup made primarily from ripe tomatoes, along with various aromatic ingredients and seasonings. It’s often served hot and can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or paired with grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic combination.

History:
The history of tomato soup dates back to ancient times when tomatoes were introduced to Europe from the New World. However, the creamy tomato soup that we’re familiar with today is more of a modern invention. The iconic tomato soup brand, Campbell’s, introduced its condensed tomato soup in 1897, and it quickly gained popularity in the United States. Since then, tomato soup has become a staple in many households and has evolved into various recipes, including Ashley’s Amazing Tomato Soup.

Components:
The key components of Ashley’s Amazing Tomato Soup include:

• Ripe Tomatoes: Fresh, juicy tomatoes are the star of the show.
• Onions: To add a sweet and savory base.
• Garlic: For a subtle, aromatic kick.
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth: To provide a flavorful liquid base.
• Seasonings: Common seasonings include salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and a touch of sugar.
• Heavy Cream (optional): For a creamy, rich texture.
• Butter or Olive Oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic.
• Fresh Basil (for garnish): To enhance the flavor and presentation.

Steps to Prepare Ashley’s Amazing Tomato Soup:

1. Prepare the Tomatoes: Start by blanching the tomatoes in boiling water for a minute or two. Then, peel off the skins and chop them.

2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt some butter or heat olive oil. Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they become soft and translucent.

3. Add Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and cook for about 10-15 minutes until they start to break down and release their juices.

4. Season and Simmer: Season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and let the soup simmer for about 20-30 minutes to meld the flavors.

5. Blend: Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, purée the soup until smooth. If you prefer a creamy tomato soup, you can add heavy cream at this stage.

6. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves. It’s also perfect with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.

Preparation Time:
The time needed to prepare Ashley’s Amazing Tomato Soup typically ranges from 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your cooking skills and whether you choose to add cream. It’s a relatively simple recipe that’s well worth the effort for the delicious results.

So, there you have it, a detailed overview of Ashley’s Amazing Tomato Soup, including its history, ingredients, preparation steps, and estimated preparation time. Enjoy this warm and comforting dish! 🍅🥄😊

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for a typical serving of tomato soup:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per 1-cup serving):

• Calories: 100-150
• Total Fat: 3-5 grams
• Saturated Fat: 1-2 grams
• Cholesterol: 0-5 milligrams
• Sodium: 600-800 milligrams (varies based on recipe)
• Total Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 3-4 grams
• Sugars: 8-10 grams
• Protein: 2-4 grams
• Vitamin A: 15-20% of daily value
• Vitamin C: 30-40% of daily value
• Calcium: 4-6% of daily value
• Iron: 6-8% of daily value

Health Information:

• Low in Calories: Tomato soup is relatively low in calories, making it a suitable option for those looking to manage their calorie intake.

• Good Source of Vitamins: It’s rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin A and vitamin C, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin, vision, and the immune system.

• Low in Saturated Fat: Tomato soup typically contains minimal saturated fat, which is beneficial for heart health.

• Low Cholesterol: The cholesterol content is generally low, making it heart-friendly.

• Fiber-Rich: The soup contains a good amount of dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.

• Lycopene: Tomatoes are a primary ingredient, and they’re a rich source of lycopene, an antioxidant associated with various health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain cancers and promoting heart health.

• Hydration: Tomato soup is liquid-based, contributing to daily hydration.

Important Note: Nutrition facts and health information can vary based on the specific recipe and ingredients used. It’s advisable to check the label or calculate the exact values if you have specific dietary concerns.

Remember that the nutritional content and health benefits can vary depending on the recipe and any additional ingredients or toppings you use. Adjustments like using low-sodium broth or reducing cream can make the soup even healthier. Enjoy your tomato soup in moderation as part of a balanced diet. 🍅🥄🌿