La Madeleine Inspired Creamy Tomato Basil Delight
Indulge in the comforting flavors of La Madeleine with this rich and velvety Tomato Basil Soup. Crafted to mimic the beloved original, this soup combines ripe fresh tomatoes with wholesome canned varieties, resulting in a deep, satisfying flavor profile. The addition of creamy whole milk and fragrant basil ensures a smooth texture that tantalizes the palate. Ideal for a cozy evening, this delectable soup pairs exquisitely with a fresh French baguette or a rustic Italian bread. Whether enjoyed as a starter or a main dish, every spoonful evokes the warmth of French bistro dining.
10
Servings
300
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ripe Tomatoes
1 1/2 lbs (halved)
Hunt's Whole Tomatoes with Basil
28 ounces (canned)
Hunt's Tomato Sauce with Basil, Garlic, and Oregano
16 ounces (canned)
Whole Milk
2 cups (none)
All-Purpose Flour
4 tablespoons (none)
Unsalted Butter
1/4 lb (cubed)
Dry Basil
3 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, combine the halved ripe tomatoes, canned whole tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, allowing the mixture to cook for about 25 minutes until the tomatoes soften and flavors meld.
2
Once cooked, carefully transfer the tomato mixture to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, then return it to the pot over low heat.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and whole milk until the mixture is free of lumps. Carefully add this milk mixture to the pot while stirring continuously.
4
Incorporate the cubed butter and dry basil into the soup, stirring until the butter is fully melted and the mixture begins to thicken, about 5 minutes.
5
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired, and enjoy with a side of crusty bread.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
25g
Carbs
6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is La Madeleine Inspired Creamy Tomato Basil Delight?
It is a rich and velvety tomato basil soup crafted to mimic the famous French bistro version, combining fresh and canned tomatoes with milk and butter for a deep, satisfying flavor.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to produce 10 servings.
Is this soup vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products, though it does contain dairy.
What types of tomatoes are required?
You will need 1 1/2 lbs of fresh ripe tomatoes, 28 ounces of canned whole tomatoes with basil, and 16 ounces of tomato sauce with basil, garlic, and oregano.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 20g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 6g of protein.
How long should the tomato mixture simmer initially?
The tomatoes should simmer over medium heat for about 25 minutes until they soften and flavors meld.
How is the soup thickened?
The soup is thickened by whisking together 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with 2 cups of whole milk and stirring it into the tomato base.
What brand of canned tomatoes is recommended?
The recipe specifically suggests using Hunt's brand for both the whole tomatoes and the tomato sauce.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dry?
While the recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of dry basil, you can use fresh basil as a garnish or substitute it, keeping in mind that fresh basil is less concentrated than dry.
How much butter is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 lb of unsalted butter, which should be cubed before being added to the soup.
What type of milk is best for this recipe?
Whole milk is recommended to achieve the signature creamy and velvety texture.
What kitchen equipment is needed to make the soup smooth?
You will need a blender to process the cooked tomato mixture until it is smooth and creamy.
What are the recommended sides for this dish?
It pairs exquisitely with a fresh French baguette or a rustic Italian bread.
Do I need to peel the fresh tomatoes?
No peeling is necessary; simply halve the ripe tomatoes and the blender will smooth out the skins after they have simmered.
How long does it take for the soup to thicken after adding the butter?
Once the cubed butter and dry basil are added, it takes about 5 minutes of stirring for the butter to melt and the mixture to thicken.
What heat setting should I use for blending and returning the soup?
After blending, the mixture should be returned to the pot over low heat.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, you would need to substitute the all-purpose flour with a suitable gluten-free thickening agent or flour blend.
Is there any specific seasoning in the tomato sauce?
Yes, the recipe calls for tomato sauce that already includes basil, garlic, and oregano.
What is the texture of the soup?
The texture is described as rich, velvety, and smooth.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' suitable for home cooks looking for comfort food.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but you may want to reduce any additional salt you might add to the soup later to maintain the balance of flavors.
How should the soup be served?
It should be served hot and can be garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
What if my milk and flour mixture has lumps?
You should whisk the flour and milk together in a separate bowl until the mixture is completely free of lumps before adding it to the pot.
Does the recipe include fiber information?
Fiber information is not currently provided for this specific recipe.
Is this a copycat recipe?
Yes, it is inspired by the Tomato Basil soup served at La Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
The tags include soup, tomato, basil, creamy, vegetable, comfort food, French-inspired, and vegetarian.
Can I add garlic to the soup?
While the tomato sauce already contains garlic, you can certainly add more fresh garlic during the simmering stage if you prefer a stronger flavor.