Rustic Croatian Tomato and Rice Soup
This Rustic Croatian Tomato and Rice Soup is a delightful homage to traditional flavors, passed down through generations. Made with rich strained tomatoes that capture the essence of summer, this comforting soup is elevated with the addition of rice, which makes it both hearty and satisfying. A hint of sweetness from brown sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, while aromatic basil and a touch of black pepper add depth. Simple to prepare and perfect for a cozy evening, this soup is a nourishing dish that warms the heart and soul.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
strained tomatoes
500 g (Use packaged strained tomato sauce.)
olive oil
1/4 cup (For sautéing.)
flour
10 g (Used for thickening.)
salt
10 g (To taste.)
brown sugar
15 g (To balance tomato acidity.)
black pepper
3 g (Freshly ground for flavor.)
dried basil
5 g (Minced, for aroma.)
water
2 cups (For soup base.)
rice
15 g (Adds heartiness to the soup.)
Instructions
1
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the flour and stir continuously until it turns golden brown.
2
Gradually pour in cold water while stirring to avoid lumps, creating a smooth, creamy base.
3
Stir in the strained tomato sauce, followed by the remaining water. Add the brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and dried basil to enhance the flavor.
4
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5
After 15 minutes of simmering, add the rice and continue cooking until the rice is tender and fully cooked.
6
Once the rice is ready, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Croatian Tomato and Rice Soup?
It is a traditional Croatian comfort dish made with a base of strained tomatoes, thickened with a flour roux, and made hearty with the addition of rice.
Is this soup recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and also vegan-friendly as it uses olive oil as the fat source and contains no animal products.
How long does it take to cook this soup?
The soup requires approximately 30 minutes of simmering time in addition to the initial preparation of the roux and base.
What kind of tomatoes are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 500 grams of packaged strained tomato sauce, often referred to as passata.
Why is flour used in the recipe?
Ten grams of flour are used to create a roux with olive oil, which serves as a thickening agent for the soup base.
What is the purpose of adding brown sugar?
Brown sugar is used to balance the natural acidity of the strained tomatoes, adding a hint of sweetness to the flavor profile.
How do I prevent lumps from forming in the soup?
To avoid lumps, gradually pour cold water into the flour and oil mixture while stirring continuously until a smooth base is formed.
When should I add the rice to the soup?
The rice should be added after the soup has already simmered for 15 minutes.
How do I know when the flour is ready during the first step?
The flour is ready when it has been stirred continuously in the hot olive oil and has turned a golden brown color.
What herbs are used for flavoring?
The soup is flavored with five grams of minced dried basil for aroma.
Can I garnish this soup with fresh herbs?
Yes, it is recommended to serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
How much water is needed for the soup base?
The recipe requires a total of 2 cups of water.
Is this soup considered a hearty meal?
Yes, the addition of rice makes this tomato soup both hearty and satisfying.
What type of oil is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 1/4 cup of olive oil for sautéing and creating the soup's base.
How much rice is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 15 grams of rice to add texture and heartiness.
What kind of pepper should I use?
The recipe suggests 3 grams of freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor depth.
Does the soup need to be boiled?
The soup should be brought to a gentle boil initially, then the heat should be reduced to let it simmer.
What is the origin of this soup?
This is a rustic dish originating from Croatian cuisine, often passed down through generations.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe calls for 10 grams of salt, but you can adjust this to your personal taste at the end of cooking.
Should the water be hot or cold when added to the roux?
You should use cold water when adding it to the flour and oil mixture to create a creamy, smooth base without lumps.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It is best served hot in a bowl, perfect for a cozy evening or as a nourishing starter.
How often should I stir the soup while it simmers?
You should stir the soup occasionally to ensure the rice doesn't stick to the bottom and the flavors meld evenly.
Can I adjust the seasonings after the soup is done?
Yes, once the rice is tender and fully cooked, you should taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as necessary.
What heat level should I use for simmering?
After the initial boil, reduce the heat to a low setting to maintain a gentle simmer.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients: strained tomatoes, olive oil, flour, salt, brown sugar, black pepper, dried basil, water, and rice.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe that is simple to prepare.
What is the texture of the soup?
The soup has a creamy, smooth liquid base complemented by the tender texture of cooked rice.
Can I use this soup for meal prep?
While not explicitly mentioned, its hearty nature and simple ingredients make it a great candidate for reheating.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The flavor profile is a balance of rich tomato acidity, a hint of sweetness, and aromatic herbal notes.
What equipment do I need?
You will primarily need a large pot and a spoon or whisk for stirring.