Garlicky Garden Tomato Soup Recipe: A Fresh and Flavorful Delight
If you’re looking for a quick and easy recipe to make use of your garden’s ripe tomatoes, this Garlicky Garden Tomato Soup is just what you need. Packed with vibrant, fresh flavors and made with 20 cloves of garlic, this hearty soup is the perfect way to bring the taste of summer to your table. Whether you’re a beginner cook or simply in need of a satisfying meal, this soup will not disappoint. With its rich combination of tomatoes, bell peppers, and fresh herbs, it’s a vegetable-forward soup that will keep your taste buds happy.
This Garlicky Garden Tomato Soup recipe is simple to prepare, yet bursting with flavor. It’s low in protein and cholesterol, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a healthy soup option. Plus, it comes together in less than 40 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something fresh.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 36 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Clear Soup
- Cuisine: Vegetable-Based Soup
Ingredients
This easy-to-make soup requires only a handful of ingredients that are likely available in your kitchen or garden. The beauty of this soup lies in the simplicity of its ingredients, allowing the natural flavors of the vegetables to shine through. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh tomatoes | 3 large |
| Bell peppers (any color) | 2 |
| Garlic (crushed or chopped) | 20 cloves |
| Dry white wine | 1/2 cup |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 2-3 tbsp |
| Fresh basil (chopped) | 4 tbsp |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
This soup is packed with nutrients, making it both a delicious and healthy choice. With only 230.9 calories per serving, it’s a great option for those keeping an eye on their calorie intake. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content:
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230.9 |
| Fat Content | 14.7 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 2.1 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 1.8 mg |
| Sodium Content | 100.5 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 17.3 g |
| Fiber Content | 3 g |
| Sugar Content | 7.6 g |
| Protein Content | 4.2 g |
Instructions
This Garlicky Garden Tomato Soup comes together in just a few simple steps, making it an easy go-to for busy days. The key is to let the vegetables cook and release their flavors slowly, while keeping the preparation as simple as possible. Here’s how to make it:
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Heat the Oil: In a medium saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm up before adding the vegetables.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped tomatoes and bell peppers to the saucepan. Stir occasionally, letting the vegetables soften for about 1 minute. The vibrant colors of the peppers and tomatoes will begin to shine, infusing the oil with their natural sweetness.
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Add Garlic: Add the crushed or chopped garlic to the pot, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until the garlic is golden brown and fragrant. This step is where the magic happens, as the garlic begins to infuse the soup with its irresistible aroma.
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Season the Soup: Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning based on your preference—don’t be afraid to give it a taste to see if it needs a little extra flavor.
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Simmer the Soup: Add the stock (vegetable or chicken stock) to the saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow the soup to cook for about 10 minutes, giving the ingredients time to blend together and the flavors to develop fully.
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Add Balsamic Vinegar: Season the soup with a splash of balsamic vinegar. This adds a tangy depth to the soup, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes and peppers.
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Prepare the Bread (Optional): If you’re adding a bit of extra heartiness to the soup, you can lay a slice of toasted Italian bread at the bottom of each bowl. The bread soaks up the flavors of the soup, making each bite more filling.
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Serve and Garnish: Pour the hot soup over the bread (if using), and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil and fresh parsley. The herbs will add a fragrant touch, and the cheese will melt beautifully into the soup, creating a creamy finish.
Tips for the Best Garlicky Garden Tomato Soup
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Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and parsley make a huge difference in flavor. If you can, pick them from your garden right before serving.
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Make it Creamy: For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or blending part of the soup with an immersion blender before serving.
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Customize the Spice Level: If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper when cooking the vegetables.
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Substitute Ingredients: Feel free to use yellow or orange bell peppers for a different flavor, or substitute the stock with water for a lighter soup.
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Make It Ahead: This soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Garlicky Garden Tomato Soup
This soup is the epitome of simplicity and freshness. It uses common ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and health benefits. The 20 cloves of garlic bring a bold, savory flavor to the dish, making it irresistible even to garlic skeptics. Plus, it’s a great way to use up a bounty of garden tomatoes, especially during peak harvest times.
The balance of fresh vegetables and rich seasonings creates a soup that’s light but filling, with a wonderful depth of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or enjoying a solo bowl after a long day, this Garlicky Garden Tomato Soup will quickly become a favorite.
Give it a try today, and enjoy the freshness of summer in every spoonful!
Additional Notes
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it over medium heat until hot.
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Freezing: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Enjoy your delicious, garlicky, garden-fresh soup!
