Tomato and zucchini soup with homemade noodles

Tomato and Zucchini Soup with Homemade Noodles: a comforting and flavorful recipe!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Who doesn't love a warm and aromatic soup that embraces your soul? In this recipe, we will create a delicious tomato and zucchini soup with homemade noodles, perfect for chilly days or moments when you want to indulge in a healthy dish. This recipe is a perfect example of how you can transform simple ingredients into something truly special.

A bit about the recipe

Tomato soup has a long history and is appreciated worldwide for its versatility and flavor. Adding zucchini brings a creamy texture and a subtle taste, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes. Homemade noodles are a delightful addition, adding extra flavor and a personal touch. This recipe is not only tasty but also nourishing, packed with vitamins and antioxidants.

Ingredients

- 1 kg of tomatoes (preferably ripe, sweet garden tomatoes)
- 2 zucchinis (ideally from the garden for an authentic taste)
- 2 medium onions
- 2 carrots
- 1/2 celery root
- 1 sprig of fresh basil
- 1 handful of homemade noodles (or dried noodles, depending on preference)
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the vegetables
Start by peeling the carrots, onion, and celery. Wash them well and cut them into larger pieces. These vegetables will form the base of the soup, providing exceptional flavor. Place them in a large pot and add enough water to cover them. Add a pinch of salt and let them simmer over medium heat for about 15 minutes until they become tender.

Step 2: Adding the main ingredients
Once the vegetables have boiled, remove them with a spatula and set them aside. Now, add the tomatoes cut into large pieces (I cut them in quarters to maintain texture) and the peeled and cubed zucchinis. Also, add the sprig of basil, which will add a wonderful aroma to the soup. Let it simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Blending and straining the soup
After the tomatoes and zucchinis have softened, remove the pot from the heat and take out the basil sprig. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you prefer a thinner soup, add a cup of water and mix well.

Step 4: Seasoning
Put the pot back on the heat and season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper. Add the teaspoon of sugar (this will help balance the acidity of the tomatoes) and the olive oil, stirring well. Let it come to a boil a few times to combine the flavors.

Step 5: Adding the noodles
Once the soup has boiled, add the homemade noodles. There is no need to pre-cook the noodles; they will cook directly in the soup. Remove the pot from the heat and cover it, allowing the noodles to swell for 15 minutes.

Serving
The soup can be served hot or cold. I recommend serving it with crispy croutons or a slice of toasted bread for added texture. If you want to add a touch of creativity, you can top it with a few fresh basil leaves or a spoonful of sour cream.

Useful tips
- Tomatoes: Choose seasonal, meaty, and flavorful tomatoes. If you don't have fresh tomatoes, you can use canned tomatoes, but the taste will be different.
- Zucchini: When selecting zucchinis, opt for small and young ones, as they have a more delicate texture.
- Homemade noodles: If you don't have homemade noodles, you can use store-bought noodles. You can find the ideal option for you, but homemade noodles add a special charm.
- Variations: You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or squash, to diversify the flavor.

Nutritional information
This soup is low in calories, with about 120-150 calories per serving, and is rich in vitamins A and C, making it an excellent choice for a healthy lunch. Tomatoes are full of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, while zucchinis provide fiber and essential minerals.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use small pasta or even rice, but the cooking time will change.

- How can I make the soup spicier?
Add a bit of hot pepper or chili flakes for a more intense flavor.

- Can the soup be frozen?
Yes, the soup can be frozen, but it is recommended to add the noodles after thawing to avoid them becoming too soft.

Conclusion
This tomato and zucchini soup with homemade noodles is a simple recipe but with a major impact on flavor. Whether you prepare it for a quiet dinner or as part of a festive meal, it is a fantastic choice. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and enjoy every moment of cooking!

 Ingredients: 1 kg of tomatoes (I had tomatoes from my mother's garden ............meaty, sweet, brownish when you cut them) 2 zucchinis (also from mom) 1 handful of homemade noodles (made by my sister-in-law) 2 onions 2 carrots 1/2 celery 1 sprig of basil olive oil 1 teaspoon of sugar salt, pepper As you can see, I gathered ingredients from here and there and threw together a little soup........hihihi.

 Tags:  soup tomato soup homemade noodles