Velvety Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe

Description

Immerse yourself in a bowl of heartwarming comfort with this delightful Creamy Tomato Soup. Perfect for weeknight dinners or leisurely weekends, this recipe from Love with Recipes brings a velvety, rich, and satisfying soup to your table. The blend of tomatoes, vegetables, and mild cheese, along with aromatic spices, creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and elegant.

Ingredients

1. Tomatoes: 1 (use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor)
2. Onion: 1 (grated)
3. Carrot: 1 (grated)
4. Celery Leaves: 1/2 cup (chopped)
5. Sugar: 1 teaspoon
6. Cloves: 3 (whole)
7. Basil: 1/4 teaspoon (dried or fresh, finely chopped)
8. White Sauce: 2 cups (medium consistency)
9. Mild Cheese: 1/2 cup (grated, choose a cheese that melts well such as mild cheddar or mozzarella)
10. Salt & Pepper: To taste

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 233.1 kcal
• Fat: 13.7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.6 g
• Cholesterol: 8.8 mg
• Sodium: 471.1 mg
• Carbohydrates: 22.7 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 12.4 g
• Protein: 6.5 g

Instructions

1. Cook Vegetables: In a large pot, combine the tomatoes, grated onions, grated carrots, chopped celery leaves, sugar, cloves, and basil. Add enough water to cover the vegetables and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

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2. Puree the Soup: Remove the pot from the heat. Carefully strain the mixture through a sieve or a food mill to remove the solids, pressing down to extract as much liquid and flavor as possible. Discard the solids and return the smooth liquid to the pot.

3. Add White Sauce: Stir in the medium white sauce. Ensure the sauce is well incorporated into the tomato mixture, creating a creamy consistency.

4. Incorporate Cheese: Gradually add the grated mild cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has completely melted into the soup.

5. Season: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference.

6. Heat: Place the pot back on the stove over low heat. Warm the soup gently, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

7. Blend: For an extra creamy texture, use a hand beater to blend the soup for a few minutes until smooth and frothy.

8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or a swirl of cream if desired, and serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Tomato Soup

• Tomatoes: Opt for vine-ripened or heirloom tomatoes for a richer and sweeter flavor. If fresh tomatoes are not in season, high-quality canned tomatoes can be a good substitute.
• White Sauce: To make a medium white sauce, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, stir in 2 tablespoons of flour, and cook until the mixture is bubbly. Gradually add 1 cup of milk, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
• Blending: If you prefer an ultra-smooth soup, consider using a blender or immersion blender after adding the cheese to achieve the desired consistency.
• Herbs: Experiment with other herbs like thyme or oregano to add different flavor notes to your soup.
• Storage: This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to maintain its creamy texture.

Cooking Insights and Variations

This Creamy Tomato Soup is not just a dish; it’s an experience that melds simplicity with gourmet touches. As you delve into the preparation, consider these insights and variations to make it uniquely yours:

Culinary Techniques

• Roasting Vegetables: For a deeper, more robust flavor, try roasting the tomatoes, onions, and carrots before boiling them. Toss the vegetables with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until they are caramelized and tender.
• Infused Flavors: Add depth by infusing the soup with additional flavors. Sauté some garlic in olive oil at the beginning or add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note.

Healthier Options

• Low-Fat Version: Substitute the white sauce with a lower-fat alternative by using skim milk or a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Use a reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories and fat content.
• Extra Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value by adding other vegetables such as red bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. These can be cooked along with the tomatoes and other vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

• Pairings: Serve the soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich, a fresh garden salad, or crispy croutons for added texture.
• Garnishes: Enhance the presentation with a drizzle of basil pesto, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Cultural and Historical Context

Tomato soup holds a special place in many cultures, celebrated for its comforting properties and versatility. This version of Creamy Tomato Soup, with its Canadian roots, pays homage to traditional methods while embracing modern culinary trends.

In Canada, tomato soup is often associated with warmth and home-cooked meals, especially during the cold winter months. The use of mild cheese in this recipe reflects a common practice in Canadian cuisine, where dairy products play a significant role.

This recipe also highlights the trend of quick and easy meals that do not compromise on flavor or nutritional value, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. The inclusion of ingredients like cloves and basil introduces aromatic complexity, showcasing the blend of simplicity and sophistication in Canadian cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Soup is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to savor the rich flavors and comforting textures that define home-cooked goodness. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend lunch, this recipe promises to deliver satisfaction with every spoonful. Its balance of tangy tomatoes, sweet carrots, aromatic cloves, and creamy cheese creates a harmony that is both familiar and novel.

Embrace the ease of preparation and the flexibility to adapt the recipe to your taste, and let each bowl of this soup be a testament to the joy of cooking and the pleasure of sharing a meal with loved ones. Happy cooking!