Tomato soup cream by Jamie Oliver
Creamy tomato soup is a delicious and comforting dish, perfect for any season. This recipe, inspired by the famous chef Jamie Oliver, combines the fresh flavors of vegetables with the richness of ripe tomatoes, resulting in a velvety and flavorful soup. In this description, I will guide you step by step through the preparation process, providing you with useful tips and information about the ingredients, so you can achieve a perfect result every time.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, diced or grated
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- A handful of fresh basil, roughly chopped
- 1 kg very ripe tomatoes (it’s best to use seasonal tomatoes)
- 1.1 l vegetable or chicken broth (or water for a lighter version)
- 200 ml cream
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (or balsamic vinegar for a sweeter taste)
- 2 egg yolks
Preparation:
1. Preparing the vegetables:
Start by sautéing the vegetables. In a large pot, add a few tablespoons of olive oil, the onion, carrot, and garlic. Place the pot over low heat and cover it with a lid. Let the vegetables sauté for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. It’s important to use low heat to avoid burning the vegetables, so don’t rush. If you’re wondering how to achieve a deep flavor, sautéing the vegetables on low heat releases natural sugars that contribute to a sweeter and more aromatic soup.
2. Preparing the tomatoes:
Meanwhile, prepare the tomatoes. An effective method to peel them is to submerge them in boiling water for 1 minute, then you can easily peel them. Once peeled, cut them into large pieces. Ripe tomatoes bring an intense flavor to soups, so make sure they are of the best quality. If you have tomatoes that are not yet fully ripe, you can leave them on the windowsill for 2-3 days to enhance their flavor.
3. Boiling the soup:
After the vegetables have sautéed, add the tomatoes to the pot. You can use a stainless steel or ceramic pot, as avoiding non-stick pots is essential for a healthy dish. Pour in the vegetable broth or water and cover the pot. Let it simmer on low heat for 20 minutes. This stage allows the flavors to blend and develop.
4. Blending the soup:
After the soup has boiled, use a blender or an immersion mixer to puree the mixture. Be careful, as it is hot! It is recommended to blend half of the quantity to avoid the soup spilling out during the blending process. The result should be a velvety soup without lumps.
5. Adding the final ingredients:
Return the pureed soup to the heat and let it come to a boil. Season with salt and pepper, but make sure the taste is balanced, as you may have used broth that is already salty. In a small bowl, mix the cream, egg yolks, and vinegar. It’s important to add this mixture at the end, just before serving. The soup should not boil after adding the yolks, or they will coagulate. This gives the soup a velvety and glossy texture.
6. Serving:
Serve the soup immediately, garnishing with a few fresh basil leaves for an attractive look. This is a perfect soup for a quick dinner, but also for a special occasion. You can add croutons or serve alongside a slice of toasted bread with butter for extra flavor.
Useful tips and variations:
- If you want to enhance the soup's flavor even more, you can add a teaspoon of sugar or a tablespoon of tomato paste.
- For a spicy version, add some finely chopped chili pepper.
- If you prefer a heartier soup, you can include a diced potato, which will add consistency to the soup.
- The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, so you can reheat it without any problems.
- This soup pairs perfectly with a crunchy green salad and a bottle of dry white wine.
Nutritional benefits:
This creamy tomato soup is not only delicious but also healthy. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that can reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, the vegetables used provide an important source of vitamins and fiber. The cream adds a touch of creaminess, but you can opt for a light cream version to reduce calories.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use canned tomatoes? Yes, you can use canned tomatoes, but make sure to choose varieties without additives.
- What type of broth should I use? Vegetable broth is ideal, but you can also use chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- How can I make the soup vegan? Replace the cream with coconut yogurt or a blend of soaked cashew nuts.
Enjoy this creamy tomato soup as a poem of flavors, letting yourself be carried away by the intense aromas and velvety texture. Whether you prepare it for a quick lunch or to impress guests, this recipe will surely win everyone’s hearts!
Ingredients: 1 onion, finely chopped 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped 1 carrot, diced / grated on the large grater 1 handful of fresh basil, roughly chopped 1 kg very ripe tomatoes 1.1 liters of vegetable/chicken broth (or water, and it will still be delicious) 200 ml sour cream 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (I used balsamic vinegar) 2 egg yolks
