Hearty Tomato and Macaroni Comfort Soup
This Hearty Tomato and Macaroni Comfort Soup is a nostalgic nod to the classic restaurant-style soups enjoyed for generations. It's a warm, delicious, and budget-friendly option that combines the robust flavors of tomatoes and tender macaroni with the subtle sweetness of onions. Perfect for those chilly days, this soup is naturally fat-free and easy to customize with your favorite herbs, vegetables, or cheeses. It's an ideal make-ahead meal that gets even better the next day, and can be effortlessly scaled up for larger gatherings.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
tomato juice
19 ounces (canned)
water
6 cups
onion
1 medium (chopped finely)
macaroni
1 cup
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine 6 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2
Once the water is boiling, add finely chopped onion and macaroni. Stir to ensure the pasta does not stick to the bottom. Cook for approximately 8 minutes or until the macaroni and onions are tender.
3
Without draining the water, add the tomato juice to the saucepan. Stir well and bring the mixture back up to a gentle boil. Allow it to simmer for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors together.
4
Season the soup to taste with salt and pepper. If you prefer, you can sauté the onions briefly in a small amount of butter or olive oil before adding them to the boiling water for extra flavor.
5
Serve hot, and garnish with fresh herbs or grated cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Tomato and Macaroni Comfort Soup?
It is a nostalgic, restaurant-style soup that combines tomato juice, tender macaroni, and onions for a warm and budget-friendly meal.
Is this soup budget-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is specifically noted as a budget-friendly option.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the dietary classification of this soup?
It is categorized as a Clear Soup and is naturally fat-free.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, it is an ideal make-ahead meal that often tastes even better the next day.
Is it possible to scale this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, the recipe can be effortlessly scaled up for larger gatherings.
What type of tomato juice should I use?
The recipe calls for 19 ounces of canned tomato juice.
How much water is required for the base?
You will need 6 cups of water.
What kind of onion is used in this soup?
The recipe uses one medium onion, finely chopped.
How much macaroni do I need?
The recipe requires 1 cup of macaroni.
Should I drain the water after cooking the pasta?
No, do not drain the water; you add the tomato juice directly to the saucepan with the water and pasta.
How long does it take to cook the macaroni and onions?
They should be cooked for approximately 8 minutes or until tender.
When do I add the tomato juice?
Add the tomato juice after the macaroni and onions have finished cooking and are tender.
How long should the soup simmer after adding the juice?
Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors together.
Can I sauté the onions first?
Yes, for extra flavor, you can briefly sauté the onions in a small amount of butter or olive oil before adding them to the boiling water.
What seasonings are recommended?
The soup is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
What are some suggested garnishes for this soup?
You can garnish the soup with fresh herbs or grated cheese if desired.
Is this soup suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a warm, comforting meal perfect for chilly days.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, the soup is easy to customize with your favorite additional vegetables.
How do I prevent the macaroni from sticking?
Stir the mixture once you add the macaroni to the boiling water to ensure it doesn't stick to the bottom.
What equipment do I need?
A medium saucepan is sufficient for preparing this recipe.
Is this a family-style recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a family recipe and a vintage soup option.
What is the preparation style for the onion?
The onion should be finely chopped before being added to the pot.
How do I start the cooking process?
Begin by combining 6 cups of water and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan and bringing it to a boil.
Is the soup served hot or cold?
The soup should be served hot.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
Based on the ingredients list (excluding optional butter for sautéing), it is naturally fat-free and low in cholesterol.
What gives the soup its sweetness?
The subtle sweetness comes from the finely chopped onions.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
While macaroni is traditional for this comfort soup, you can customize it with other small pasta shapes.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 6 main ingredients: tomato juice, water, onion, macaroni, salt, and pepper.
Why is this called a 'comfort' soup?
It is considered a comfort soup because of its hearty nature, nostalgic restaurant-style flavor, and warmth.