Tomato cream soup

Tomato Cream Soup - A Warm Embrace in Every Spoonful

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6

Who doesn't love a warm tomato cream soup, full of flavors and with a velvety texture? This tomato cream soup recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a healthy and comforting choice, perfect for cool days or as an elegant appetizer at a special dinner.

Tomatoes are the stars of this recipe. This versatile ingredient, used in countless dishes, has a fascinating history. It is believed that tomatoes were first cultivated in South America, and today they are a symbol of Mediterranean cuisine. Nutritionally, tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, being rich in vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, a compound with health benefits.

Now, I will present the necessary steps to achieve a delicious tomato cream soup, along with some useful tips along the way.

Ingredients:
- 2 kg of ripe tomatoes
- 2 liters of water
- 25 g of butter (or olive oil for a vegan option)
- 1 medium onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 celery stalks
- 100 ml of white wine (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (optional, for serving)

Step 1: Preparing the tomatoes
The first step in making this soup is peeling the tomatoes. To make this easy, immerse the tomatoes in a pot of boiling water for 30 seconds, then quickly transfer them to a bowl of cold water. This method will allow the skins to come off effortlessly. Once peeled, chop the tomatoes and remove the seeds, leaving only the juicy pulp. Set aside all this delicious tomato pulp.

Step 2: Boiling the tomatoes
In a large pot, add the 2 liters of water and both the tomato pulp and the skins you removed earlier. Bring to a boil over medium heat for about 30 minutes. This process will extract all the flavors from the tomatoes, creating a perfect base for your soup.

Step 3: Preparing the aromatic base
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and whole garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and starts to soften. Then, add the finely chopped celery and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes until it becomes tender. Adding white wine will enhance the flavors, so don’t hesitate to use this ingredient!

Step 4: Creating the soup
Once the tomatoes have boiled, strain the mixture through a fine sieve, keeping the liquid. Add the boiled tomatoes to the saucepan with the onion and celery, and blend everything with an immersion blender or in a regular blender. Processing will turn everything into a smooth cream. If the soup is too thick for your taste, you can gradually add the reserved liquid until you achieve the desired consistency.

Step 5: Seasoning
Add salt and pepper to taste. This is the perfect time to adjust the flavors, so feel free to taste and tweak. Finally, add the finely chopped fresh basil. This will add a fresh and fragrant note to your soup.

Step 6: Serving
Serve the warm tomato cream soup, garnished with fresh basil leaves and, if desired, a spoonful of sour cream or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added flavor. You can accompany the soup with crunchy croutons or a slice of rustic bread to complete the meal.

Chef's tip
If you want to add a touch of originality, you can integrate other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers, which can be sautéed together with the onion. You can also experiment with spices like paprika or chili flakes to add a hint of heat.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes, canned tomatoes can be used, but make sure to choose the additive-free version.

2. How can I make the soup spicier?
Add fresh chili or chili flakes during cooking.

3. What other herbs can I use?
Oregano, thyme, or rosemary are excellent alternatives to diversify the flavors.

Calories and nutritional benefits
This tomato cream soup is a healthy choice, with about 120 calories per serving, being rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Tomatoes contribute to heart and skin health, while garlic has antimicrobial properties.

Possible variations
For a vegan version, replace the butter with olive oil. You can also add a spoonful of coconut cream for an exotic flavor.

This tomato cream soup is not only a comforting dish but also an opportunity to explore new flavors and combinations. I encourage you to experiment and personalize your recipe to your taste! Whether you serve it at a dinner with friends or as a quick lunch, this soup will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 2 liters of water, 2 kg of tomatoes, 25g of butter, 1 onion, 3 cloves of garlic, 2 stalks of celery, 100ml of wine, fresh basil, salt, pepper