Tomato cream soup

Creamy Tomato Soup with Omelette: A Hearty and Flavorful Delight

Desserts are wonderful, but today we turn our attention to a comforting and flavorful recipe: creamy tomato soup. This dish not only delights our taste buds but is also very easy to make, making it ideal for a quick family dinner or an elegant meal with friends. This recipe is a perfect combination of juicy tomatoes, garlic and basil flavors, and a topping of omelette that adds a sophisticated touch.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the soup:
- 8 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 750 g tomato paste (or fresh tomatoes, pureed)
- 400 ml vegetable broth (or 400 ml water with a Knorr stock cube)
- 3 tablespoons of tomato purée
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons of sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
- 3 slices of bread
- 3 large slices of cheese
- 1 tablespoon of dried basil (or fresh basil, if available)

For decoration:
- An omelette made from 2 eggs and a pinch of salt

Preparing the Creamy Tomato Soup

1. Heating the Oil: Start by placing 8 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot and let it heat over medium heat. Olive oil not only adds a delicious flavor but is also a healthy source of fat.

2. Sautéing the Onion: Add the finely chopped onion to the hot oil. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper, then stir. Let the onion become translucent, being careful not to burn it. This step is essential as caramelized onion adds a natural sweetness to the soup.

3. Adding the Garlic: When the onion has softened, add the minced garlic. Stir for a few seconds to blend the flavors, but be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic becomes bitter.

4. The Tomatoes and Spices: Now is the time to add the tomato paste and purée. Mix all the ingredients well, then add the bay leaves and let it simmer for 5 minutes. This step allows the flavors to develop and blend.

5. Adding the Vegetable Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth (or water with the Knorr cube) and let it simmer for another 10 minutes. This will form the base of the soup, and the bay leaves will release their flavors.

6. Finishing the Soup: In the final step, add the dried (or fresh) basil and stir. Turn off the heat and let the soup cool slightly before blending it with a blender for a smooth and creamy texture.

Preparing the Topping

7. Toasting the Bread: While the soup cools, prepare the topping. Toast the 3 slices of bread in the oven or on a hot grill until golden. These will add a crunchy and delicious element to the soup.

8. Flavoring: Once toasted, rub the slices of bread with a clove of garlic. This will add a subtle and savory flavor.

9. Adding the Cheese: Place a slice of cheese on each slice of bread and sprinkle dried basil on top. Put them in the oven at 200 degrees Celsius on the top rack for 10 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes slightly golden.

Preparing the Decoration

10. Making the Omelette: Beat the 2 eggs with a pinch of salt and pour them into a non-stick pan. Let them cook on low heat without browning too much. Once the omelette is ready, cut it into thin strips and then into small cubes.

Serving the Creamy Tomato Soup

11. Serving: Finally, serve the soup hot or cold, according to your preference. Add the omelette strips on top and enjoy a delicious dish. Personally, I like to serve it hot, but it is just as good cold, especially on warm summer days.

Useful Tips

- Vegan Option: If you want a vegan option, you can replace the cheese with vegan cheese or sliced avocado.
- Additional Spices: Add a pinch of cayenne or paprika for an extra kick.
- Tomato Mix: You can use a mix of fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes, and tomato paste for a deeper flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

This soup is rich in vitamins (especially vitamin C from tomatoes), minerals, and antioxidants, making it a healthy and nourishing choice for any meal. Additionally, olive oil adds healthy fatty acids that are good for the heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes are excellent, just make sure they are well-ripened for an intense flavor.

2. How can I store the soup?
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator in airtight containers for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for a longer duration.

3. What can I serve with creamy tomato soup?
This soup pairs perfectly with a fresh salad or a grilled cheese sandwich.

A Personal Note

This creamy tomato soup always reminds me of my childhood when my mother made it with tomatoes from the garden. The aroma that filled the house was irresistible, and each spoonful felt like a warm hug. I like to believe that every bowl of soup I prepare brings a piece of that nostalgia and love.

So, I invite you to try this recipe and discover the joy of cooking and savoring a delicious creamy tomato soup. Whether you choose to serve it with friends or family, every moment spent around the table will be a memorable one!

 Ingredients: for the soup: 8 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil; 1 large onion, finely chopped; salt; pepper; 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped; 750 g tomato paste; 400 ml vegetable broth (400 ml water with a Knorr cube); 3 tablespoons of concentrate; 2 bay leaves; 2 teaspoons of sugar; 3 slices of bread; 3 large slices of cheese; 1 tablespoon of dried basil (as I didn't have fresh); for decoration and taste: an omelette made from 2 eggs and a pinch of salt;

 Tags:  soup tomato soup vegetables