Recipe: Homemade Tomato Soup
I have to admit that I’m not the best cook when it comes to entrées. Being a vegetarian, it’s hard to find things to make anyhow. However, I’ve always found that I make pretty good soup and vegetarian stews. Since it is autumn, I wanted to kickstart the seasonal celebrations with my first recipe, homemade tomato soup.
I picked tomato, because tomatoes have a lot of wonderful health benefits. And they’re super delicious. When I was a little girl, my grandfather used to grow tomatoes in his garden in West Virginia. He would eat a tomato sandwich, or he would shake some salt on a tomato, and eat one raw. Back then as a little girl, I didn’t quite like tomatoes, or perhaps I didn’t give them a chance. As I grew older, I started to realize why my grandfather loved them. Once I gave them a chance, I realized how delicious they really were. Now I enjoy eating them just the same as he did, and a tomato and lettuce sandwich, or just buy itself.
My grandfather lived to be 100 years old! A lot of components to his diet contributed to his length. Tomatoes were a huge part of his every day diet.
Health Benefits of Tomatoes
Tomatoes are not only a delicious addition to many dishes but also offer several health benefits. Perhaps all of these health benefits are a part of what country contributed to my grandfather’s good health and his long life.
1. Rich in Nutrients: Tomatoes are low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and folate.
2. Antioxidant Properties: They are a great source of antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which is linked to reduced risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease and certain cancers.
3. Heart Health: The combination of potassium and antioxidants in tomatoes can help lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels, promoting overall heart health.
4. Skin Health: The vitamin C and lycopene in tomatoes can help protect the skin from UV damage and improve skin texture.
5. Digestive Health: Tomatoes are a good source of fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut.
6. Weight Management: Low in calories and high in water content, tomatoes can be a satisfying food that helps with weight management.
7. Bone Health: The vitamin K and calcium in tomatoes contribute to maintaining strong bones.
8. Diabetes Management: Tomatoes have a low glycemic index, making them a suitable choice for those managing blood sugar levels.
9. Hydration: Due to their high water content, tomatoes can help keep you hydrated.
10. Cancer Prevention: Some studies suggest that the antioxidants in tomatoes may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, particularly prostate cancer.
Even though I share the same fondness of tomatoes with my grandfather, now, I also like to make my own recipes with them. Homemade tomato soup, being one of them. I hope you give the recipe a try and enjoy it just the same.
Ingredients
1. Fresh Tomatoes:
– 2 pounds (about 8-10 medium-sized ripe tomatoes), preferably Roma or vine-ripened.
2. Vegetables:
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium carrot, diced (optional for sweetness)
– 1 rib celery, diced (optional for flavor)
3. Broth:
– 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
4. Herbs and Seasonings:
– 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
– 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil)
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
5. Acidity:
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or lemon juice (optional, to enhance flavor)
6. Cream (optional):
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a creamy version.
Equipment Needed:
– Large pot or Dutch oven
– Knife and cutting board
– Blender (immersion or countertop)
– Ladle
– Spoon for stirring
– Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes
1. Blanching (Optional): If you prefer to remove the skins, bring a pot of water to a boil. Cut a small “X” on the bottom of each tomato. Blanch the tomatoes for about 30 seconds, then plunge them into an ice bath. The skins should slip off easily.
2. Chop the Tomatoes: If you blanched them, peel and chop the tomatoes. If not, simply chop the fresh tomatoes.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and celery (if using), and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Tomatoes
1. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and stir well. Cook for about 5-10 minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down.
2. Pour in the broth, and add salt, pepper, sugar (if using), dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
Step 4: Simmer
1. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld.
Step 5: Blend the Soup
1. If you prefer a smooth soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender. Be cautious with hot liquids; blend in small amounts and vent the lid slightly to allow steam to escape.
2. If you like a chunky texture, you can blend only half of the soup, then stir it back into the pot.
Step 6: Add Cream (Optional)
1. If you want a creamy tomato soup, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Heat the soup gently, but do not boil after adding the cream.
Step 7: Adjust Seasoning
1. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or balsamic vinegar/lemon juice as needed.
Step 8: Serve
1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or croutons for a complete meal.
I hope you all enjoy this recipe and it’s a wonderful dish for a rainy day, and for fall.
