Tomato soup

Tomato soup with Chinese cabbage and star-shaped pasta

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

When it comes to culinary comfort, tomato soup is one of the most cherished choices. This simple and quick recipe transforms ripe tomatoes into something truly special, and the addition of Chinese cabbage and star-shaped pasta makes it even more delicious. It’s an excellent way to use up vegetables that are at risk of spoiling, as well as a healthy and nourishing choice. Moreover, tomato soup is packed with vitamins, offering not just flavor but also nutritional benefits.

The history of soups dates back to ancient times when people began combining water with vegetables to create nourishing dishes. Every culture has its own version of soup, and our recipe draws inspiration from these traditions, bringing a touch of modernity through the use of Chinese cabbage. This not only enhances the texture but also adds a crunchy and fresh note.

Necessary ingredients:
- 700 g very ripe cherry tomatoes
- 2-3 l water
- 1 cup of star-shaped pasta
- 3 carrots
- 3 leaves of Chinese cabbage
- 1 medium onion
- 3 tablespoons of oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- A few fresh basil leaves
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- A little dried basil and dried rosemary

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling and washing the vegetables. Chop the onion into small cubes and slice the carrots into rounds. Cut the Chinese cabbage into thin strips. The cherry tomatoes can be left whole or halved, depending on your preference.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add the 3 tablespoons of oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the onion and any cabbage stems (if there are any) and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This step is essential for developing a rich flavor base.

3. Adding the tomatoes and seasonings: Once the onion is sautéed, add the cherry tomatoes. Mix well and let them sauté together with the onion for 10-15 minutes. Add the sliced carrots, bay leaf, dried basil, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You will notice how the flavors combine and the soup starts to take on a creamy texture.

4. Boiling the soup: Add the water (2-3 liters, depending on how concentrated you want the soup to be) and cover the pot with a lid. Let the soup simmer on low heat until the carrots become tender, about 10-15 minutes.

5. Adding the cabbage and pasta: When the carrots are tender, add the strips of Chinese cabbage and the star-shaped pasta. Let them boil together for 7-8 minutes. It’s important not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook even after you turn off the heat.

6. Finishing the soup: Once the pasta and cabbage are cooked, turn off the heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and basil on top. Cover the pot and let the soup sit for a few minutes for the flavors to meld.

7. Serving: The tomato soup with Chinese cabbage is served warm, ideally alongside a slice of fresh bread or crunchy croutons. You can enhance it with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or grated parmesan on top for added flavor.

Practical tips:
- If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, you can use regular tomatoes or even canned tomatoes. The taste will be slightly different, but the soup will still be delicious.
- Chinese cabbage can be replaced with other types of cabbage, but the textures and flavors will change. Use white cabbage or kale for a more rustic version.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, add some chopped chili pepper or chili flakes.
- This recipe is very versatile, so feel free to experiment with other vegetables like zucchini or celery.

Nutritional benefits:
Tomato soup is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress. Carrots add an important source of beta-carotene, which is beneficial for vision, while Chinese cabbage is an excellent source of fiber and vitamins C and K.

In conclusion, tomato soup with Chinese cabbage and star-shaped pasta is not just a simple recipe, but also a dish that brings together the fresh flavors of vegetables, offering ideal comfort food for any time of day. So, the next time you have a few ripe tomatoes waiting to be used, don’t hesitate to turn them into this delicious soup! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: about 700 g of very ripe cherry tomatoes, about 2-3 l of water, 1 cup of star-shaped pasta, 3 carrots, 3 Chinese summer leaves, 1 medium onion, 3 tablespoons of oil, salt and pepper to taste, 1 bay leaf, a few fresh basil leaves, 1 bunch of fresh parsley, a little dried basil and dried rosemary.

 Tags:  tomato soup