Winter Tomato Soup
Winter Tomato Soup - A Warm Embrace from the Garden
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6
When it comes to winter comfort, there’s nothing more soothing than a warm soup filled with rich flavors and fresh ingredients. Winter tomato soup is a recipe that blends tradition with the blessings of your garden, offering you a delicious way to enjoy summer-picked tomatoes even on the coldest days. This recipe is dedicated to my mother, who encouraged me last summer to grow pesticide-free vegetables together, and now we are rewarded with a delicious and healthy soup.
Necessary ingredients:
- 1 liter of organic tomato juice
- 4 liters of water
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 piece of celery root (about 100g), diced
- 300 ml clear broth (preferably homemade and frozen)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4-6 tablespoons rice (preferably long-grain)
- salt and pepper, to taste
- chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- optional: sour cream for serving
Step by step for a delicious soup:
1. Preparing the vegetables: In a large pot, add the 4 liters of water and bring to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, add the onion, carrot, and celery. These vegetables will form the flavorful base of your soup.
2. Boiling the vegetables: Let the vegetables boil over medium heat for 15-20 minutes until they become soft. Stir occasionally to ensure they don’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
3. Adding the rice: When the vegetables are almost cooked, add the rice, salt, pepper, and oregano. The rice will absorb the soup's flavors and add a pleasant texture.
4. Including the clear broth: After about 10 minutes, when the rice is nearly cooked, add the clear broth. This will enhance the flavor and make the soup even more nourishing.
5. Adding the tomato juice: Now it’s time to add the organic tomato juice. Let the soup come to a boil, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients. This step is essential, as the tomato juice will give the soup its vibrant color and characteristic taste.
6. Adjusting the seasonings: Before turning off the heat, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings by adding salt or pepper as desired. This will ensure that each serving is perfect.
7. Finishing the soup: Once the soup has started boiling again, turn off the heat. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness and flavor.
8. Serving: Serve the soup hot, with a spoonful of sour cream on top if desired. This will add a creamy and rich element that perfectly complements the tomato juice.
Practical tips:
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of tomato soup contains about 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream added. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, and the vegetables add essential fiber and vitamins.
- Variations: You can experiment by adding other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, and for an extra protein boost, you can add beans or lentils. You can also replace the rice with quinoa for a gluten-free option.
- Storing the soup: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can freeze it in smaller portions to always have a healthy meal on hand.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato juice? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you will need to boil and puree them before adding them to the soup.
- What other spices can I use? You can experiment with basil, thyme, or even chili pepper for a spicier taste.
- Is this soup vegan? Yes, the soup is completely vegan, ensuring you have a nourishing and healthy meal.
Delicious combinations: Tomato soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of toasted bread or crunchy croutons. A fresh green salad will also perfectly complement the meal.
So, get ready to enjoy a winter tomato soup that will embrace you with every spoonful. Feel the rich aroma of tomatoes and fresh vegetables, and let yourself be carried away by memories of summer, even on the coldest winter days. With each serving, you will remember that simple meals can bring the greatest joy. Enjoy!
Ingredients: 1 l tomato juice, 4 l water, 1 large onion, 1 carrot, 1 piece of celery, 300 ml clear broth (homemade and frozen), 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 4-6 tablespoons rice, salt and pepper to taste, chopped fresh parsley.
