Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Roasted Tomato Cream Soup?
It is a rich and comforting soup that transforms canned whole tomatoes into a velvety dish through roasting and blending with cream, shallots, and butter.
What oven temperature is needed for roasting the tomatoes?
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit or 230 degrees Celsius for roasting the tomatoes.
How long should I roast the tomatoes?
Roast the tomatoes for about 30 minutes until they release their juices and begin to caramelize.
Why is dark brown sugar added to the tomatoes?
The sugar is sprinkled on the tomatoes to enhance their natural sweetness and aid in the caramelization process during roasting.
Is the canned tomato juice used in the recipe?
Yes, you must reserve the juice from the 56 ounces of canned tomatoes as it is added back into the soup later to achieve the perfect texture.
Where should the oven rack be placed for roasting?
The oven rack should be adjusted to the upper-middle position for optimal roasting.
How should I prepare the baking sheet for the tomatoes?
Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil to ensure easy cleanup after the roasting process.
What type of saucepan is recommended for this soup?
A medium nonreactive saucepan is recommended to prevent metallic flavors from reacting with the tomatoes.
How are the shallots prepared for the soup?
The recipe calls for four large shallots that should be finely minced.
What spices are added to the butter and shallots?
A pinch of ground allspice and tomato paste are added to the melted unsalted butter and minced shallots.
How long should the shallots be cooked?
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook the shallots for 7 to 10 minutes until they are soft.
How is the soup thickened?
The soup is thickened by stirring in two tablespoons of unbleached all-purpose flour and cooking it for 30 seconds.
What type of stock is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 and 3/4 cups of chicken stock or low sodium chicken broth.
When do I add the roasted tomatoes to the pot?
Add the roasted tomatoes and the reserved tomato juice to the saucepan after slowly whisking in the chicken stock.
How long does the soup simmer after boiling?
Once the mixture reaches a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
What equipment can I use to puree the soup?
You can use an immersion blender directly in the saucepan or a standard blender to puree the soup until smooth.
What is the procedure for using a standard blender?
Transfer the mixture to a bowl, strain it into the blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pan with the remaining liquid.
How much heavy cream is added to the soup?
Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the pureed mixture to create a luxurious and creamy texture.
Why shouldn't the soup boil after adding the cream?
The soup should be heated over low heat for about 3 minutes until warmed through; boiling can cause the cream to separate or change texture.
What spirits can be added for extra flavor?
You can stir in 2 tablespoons of brandy or dry sherry just before serving for a depth of flavor.
How is the soup seasoned?
The soup is seasoned to taste with table salt and cayenne pepper for a hint of heat.
Should the roasted tomatoes be peeled?
Yes, after roasting and allowing them to cool slightly, gently peel the tomatoes off the foil before transferring them to a bowl.
How many ounces of tomatoes are needed?
The recipe calls for 56 ounces of canned whole tomatoes.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as easy and focuses on simple steps like roasting and blending to achieve high-quality results.
Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients used in this Savory Roasted Tomato Cream Soup.
What are the recommended serving suggestions?
The soup should be served immediately, garnished as desired, and is perfect when paired with crusty bread.
What are the common tags for this dish?
Common tags include soup, tomato, cream, easy, comfort food, low protein, and roasted tomatoes.
When should the tomato paste be added?
Add the tomato paste to the saucepan once the unsalted butter has melted and is foaming, along with the shallots.
Can I substitute the chicken stock?
While the recipe specifies chicken stock or broth, a vegetable broth could be used as a substitute for a vegetarian version.