Tomato soup

Tomato soup with sautéed vegetables - a perfect choice for warm days or when you crave a comforting and healthy meal. This soup is not only an excellent way to use tomatoes that may not look their best, but also a culinary delight that will please your taste buds. Additionally, it is a simple and quick recipe, ideal for those who want to prepare a delicious dish without too much effort.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

- 0.500 - 1 kg tomatoes (choose ripe but not overly soft tomatoes)
- 2 medium carrots (opt for fresh, sweeter carrots)
- 1 large onion (you can use white or yellow onion, depending on your preference)
- 1 cube of vegetable stock or preferred spices
- 1 tablespoon sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
- Olive oil or vegetable oil (about 2-3 tablespoons)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparing the tomato soup:

1. Preparing the tomatoes: Start by blanching the tomatoes. Put a pot of water on the stove and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the tomatoes for 1-2 minutes. After this time, remove them from the water and place them in cold water to stop the cooking process. This method will allow you to peel them very easily.

2. Boiling the tomatoes: After peeling the tomatoes, place them in a pot, add water, salt, and boil them for 10 minutes. At the end, drain the water in which the tomatoes were boiled, but keep it, as you will use it later.

3. Pureeing the tomatoes: Use a blender to puree the boiled tomatoes until you achieve a smooth consistency. This will form the base of your tomato soup.

4. Preparing the vegetables: Finely chop the carrots and onion. In a large pot, heat the oil and add the vegetables. Sauté them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the carrots begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.

5. Adding water: Pour a cup of the water in which the tomatoes were boiled over the sautéed vegetables. This will add extra flavor to the soup. Continue to boil for 5 minutes.

6. Combining the ingredients: Now it's time to add the pureed tomatoes to the pot. Add water according to your desired consistency for the soup: thicker or thinner. Don't forget to add the tablespoon of sugar, salt, pepper, and your preferred spices (e.g., basil or oregano) for extra flavor.

7. Final boiling: Let the soup boil for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to combine well.

8. Serving: Once the soup is ready, serve it hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. If you like, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream on top for a creamy and delicious touch.

Useful tips:

- Tomatoes: Opt for well-ripened tomatoes, as they will provide a more intense flavor. If you don't have fresh tomatoes, you can use canned tomatoes in their own juice.
- Spices: Feel free to experiment with spices. Adding chili or paprika can provide an interesting taste.
- Variations: You can also add other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to vary the recipe. Additionally, for a heartier soup, you can add a portion of rice or pasta.
- Beverages: Tomato soup pairs excellently with a glass of dry white wine or a fresh lemonade cocktail.

Nutritional information:

This tomato soup is not only tasty but also healthy! Tomatoes are an excellent source of antioxidants, especially lycopene, which is beneficial for heart health. Additionally, carrots add essential vitamins, such as vitamin A, while olive oil provides healthy fatty acids.

I hope this recipe for tomato soup with sautéed vegetables will become a favorite in your family. It is simple, quick, and full of flavors! If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to share them. Enjoy your meal!