Tomato Soup Recipe: Tomato soup is a classic comfort food loved by many across the globe. It’s light, tangy, and filled with the richness of fresh tomatoes. What makes it even better is its versatility—whether you’re in the mood for a creamy soup, something spicy, or something quick and easy, there’s a style of tomato soup for everyone! In this blog, we’ll explore various methods of preparing tomato soup along with detailed instructions.
Different Ways of Making Different Tomato Soup
1. Classic Tomato Soup Recipe
This is your go-to tomato soup recipe for any occasion. Simple yet delicious, it’s creamy, and flavorful, and pairs well with bread or croutons.
Ingredients:
- 6 large, ripe tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance the tanginess)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Wash the tomatoes thoroughly. Cut a small “X” at the bottom of each tomato. This makes peeling easier after blanching.
- In a large pot, boil water and add the tomatoes. Let them boil for 3-4 minutes or until the skin starts peeling off.
- Important: Avoid over-boiling the tomatoes as it can make them too mushy and change their taste.
- Once blanched, transfer the tomatoes to cold water for 1-2 minutes, then peel and roughly chop them.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium flame. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 5-6 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Tip: Make sure the garlic doesn’t burn, as it can give a bitter taste to the soup.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook for 7-8 minutes on medium flame. Stir occasionally, ensuring the tomatoes break down nicely.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, season with salt, pepper, and sugar (if using), and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes on low flame.
- Do not rush this process; allowing the soup to simmer helps the flavors deepen.
- Blend the Soup:
- Turn off the flame and let the soup cool slightly before blending.
- Blend until smooth using a blender or hand blender. If you prefer a chunky texture, pulse only a few times.
- Return the blended soup to the pot and reheat for 3-4 minutes on low flame.
- Add heavy cream at this stage if you prefer a creamier soup.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve with warm garlic bread or croutons.
2. Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
This version adds a fresh twist with fragrant basil. It’s perfect for when you want a herbaceous punch in your soup.
Ingredients:
- 6 large tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
- Roast the Tomatoes:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Halve the tomatoes, drizzle them with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt.
- Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until they start to caramelize. Roasting enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté for 5-6 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Blend with Basil:
- Add the roasted tomatoes to the pot and let them simmer with the onions and garlic for 5 minutes.
- Turn off the flame and add fresh basil leaves. Allow them to sit in the hot mixture for 2 minutes, which enhances the basil flavor.
- Blend the soup until smooth.
- Finish and Serve:
- Reheat the blended soup for 2-3 minutes. Stir in butter for extra richness.
- Serve with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil.
Read more: Paneer Butter Masala Recipe
3. Spicy Indian-Style Tomato Soup (Tamatar Shorba)
For those who prefer a little spice in their soup, this Indian-style recipe adds aromatic spices to create a flavorful experience.
Ingredients:
- 6 large tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon ghee
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Instructions:
- Sauté the Spices:
- In a pot, heat ghee over medium flame. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
- Add finely chopped onions, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until golden brown.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices:
- Add the chopped tomatoes, red chili powder, coriander powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook the tomatoes for 8-10 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse the soup.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Add the vegetable broth and simmer for 15 minutes on low flame.
- Blend until smooth and reheat.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with crispy papad or naan.
4. Vegan Tomato Soup Recipe
This dairy-free version is creamy thanks to coconut milk, making it ideal for vegans.
Ingredients:
- 6 large tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup coconut milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions:
- Sauté Onions and Garlic:
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Add chopped tomatoes, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Turn off the flame and blend until smooth.
- Add Coconut Milk:
- Stir in coconut milk and reheat for 2-3 minutes on low flame.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.
Quick Tomato Soup for Busy Days
If you don’t have time to make soup from scratch, here are some excellent ready-to-use tomato soup options you can try:
- Knorr Tomato Soup
- A trusted brand offering quick and flavorful instant soups. Just add hot water and enjoy within minutes.
- Campbell’s Condensed Tomato Soup
- A classic canned soup, ready in minutes. Just heat, add water or milk, and enjoy.
- Amul Instant Tomato Soup
- Convenient, flavorful, and ready in just a few minutes.
- Biona Organic Tomato Soup
- A premium, organic option for those looking for a healthier alternative.
Conclusion
Tomato soup can be customized to suit your mood, whether you’re craving something creamy, spicy, or quick. Try out these recipes and let us know which one’s your favorite. And for the days when cooking feels like too much work, the ready-to-eat options will have you covered!
Read more: Cooking Without Fire Recipes: Quick and Easy Ideas for Everyone