Creamy Tomato Soup with Orange Juice

 Ingredients: 700 g canned peeled tomatoes (it is important that they are of superior quality) 600 ml water + 1/2 organic chicken/vegetable cube or 600 ml chicken/vegetable broth 40 g butter 2-3 finely chopped onions 2 stalks of green celery chopped into pieces 2 large carrots chopped into pieces 1/2 teaspoon thyme 1 clove of garlic finely chopped 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil or 3 tablespoons fresh basil 125 ml freshly squeezed orange juice (from about 2 juicy oranges) 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 3 tablespoons brown sugar 100 ml sour cream (20% or use 130 if it has a lower fat percentage) salt and pepper to taste

To prepare a delicious and comforting soup, we start with a mix of aromatic vegetables. Chop the onion into small cubes, the celery into thin slices, and the carrot into rounds. Heat a large pot over low heat and add a generous piece of butter. When the butter melts and starts to foam, add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté the vegetables for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and the onion turns slightly translucent.

After the vegetables have been sautéed, add the crushed garlic, dried thyme, and basil. These herbs will give the soup a Mediterranean touch. Continue to sauté the mixture for one minute to release the flavors and allow the garlic to infuse. Once you smell the pleasant aroma of garlic, add water and the diced tomatoes. It is important to use fresh tomatoes or, if unavailable, high-quality canned tomatoes that will add a rich taste.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to allow for a slow simmer. Let the soup simmer until the carrot is fully cooked and breaks down easily, about 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the slices. When the vegetables are cooked, add the freshly squeezed orange juice, baking soda, and sugar. These ingredients will add a subtle sweetness and a balanced flavor that will transform the soup into an unforgettable culinary experience.

Let the soup cook for another 5 minutes for the flavors to meld perfectly. Then, take the pot off the heat and add cream. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend the soup until it becomes smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no large chunks of vegetables left to achieve a velvety texture. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings to your liking, adding salt, pepper, or even a bit more orange juice if you want a more pronounced citrus note.

Serve the soup warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley leaves, if desired. This soup is not only delicious but also nutritious, perfect for chilly days or when you want to indulge in something truly special. Enjoy!

 Tags:  chicken meat garlic carrots tomatoes soup unt sour cream sugar fruits oranges gluten-free recipes