Creamy Tomato Soup
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
🥄 Servings: Makes about 6 servings
Description:
Indulge in the comforting goodness of this homemade Creamy Tomato Soup that’s crafted entirely from scratch. This recipe is a cherished family favorite, with the only challenge being the preparation of fresh tomatoes, which infuses the soup with vibrant flavor. Utilizing Roma tomatoes is recommended, although any variety of tomatoes will suffice. A crucial tip: resist the temptation to substitute half-and-half with skim milk or low-fat alternatives, as it’s the key to achieving the luscious texture and rich taste of the soup. Additionally, a hint of cloves imparts a delightful and unforgettable flavor profile, elevating this dish to a must-have on your menu!
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantities |
|---|---|
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Onion | 1 |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tbsp |
| Roma tomatoes | 3 1/2 lbs |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp |
| Sugar | 1 tsp |
| Vegetable broth | 3 cups |
| Ground cloves | 1/8 tsp |
| Half-and-half | 1/2 cup |
Instructions:
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In a large pot, melt the butter together with olive oil over low heat, ensuring not to brown the butter.
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Add finely chopped onion to the pot, allowing it to gently wilt over low heat for approximately 8 to 10 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
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Introduce minced garlic during the last 2 minutes of onion cooking time, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
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Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the onion-garlic mixture, stirring well to combine, and cook for an additional 3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
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Add the fresh Roma tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, and vegetable broth to the pot, stirring to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
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Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and allow the soup to cook over medium-low heat for approximately 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Season the soup with ground cloves, salt, and pepper according to your taste preferences, ensuring a well-balanced flavor profile.
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Remove the pot from heat and carefully transfer the soup in batches to a food processor or blender, processing until smooth and velvety. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot for a smoother consistency.
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Strain the puréed soup through a fine-mesh strainer back into the pot to remove any remaining tomato skins or seeds, ensuring a silky texture.
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Stir in the half-and-half until fully incorporated, adding richness and creaminess to the soup.
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Before serving, gently warm the soup over low heat, being careful not to boil it, to maintain its creamy consistency.
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Ladle the Creamy Tomato Soup into bowls, garnish with a drizzle of additional half-and-half or a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs if desired, and serve piping hot alongside crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches for a cozy and satisfying meal.
Indulge in the irresistible allure of this homemade Creamy Tomato Soup, a delightful union of fresh ingredients and comforting flavors that will warm both body and soul with every spoonful!
