Velvety Cream of Tomato Soup
This delightful Velvety Cream of Tomato Soup is a comforting classic that combines the rich flavors of ripe tomatoes with a touch of cream for a luxurious texture. Inspired by a cherished junior cookbook recipe, this soup has been a family favorite in my home for years. With its soothing warmth and vibrant color, it's perfect for cozy evenings or as a starter for a special meal. Prepare it with fresh ingredients, and you'll create a bowlful of happiness that your family will adore just as mine does. Serve it with crusty bread or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an added touch.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
onion
1 (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
crushed tomatoes
3 (410 g) cans (canned)
chicken stock
3 cups (liquid)
tomato paste
1 tablespoon (for added richness)
soft brown sugar
2 teaspoons (to balance acidity)
cream
1 cup (for creamy texture)
spring onion
to taste (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
3
Stir in the crushed garlic and continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, tomato paste, and soft brown sugar. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5
Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover partially with a lid.
6
Allow the soup to simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavors will meld beautifully during this time.
7
After simmering, remove the pot from heat and let the soup cool for a few minutes.
8
In batches, transfer the soup to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and creamy.
9
Return the blended soup to the pot and carefully stir in the cream. Heat gently over low heat, avoiding boiling, to prevent curdling.
10
Once heated through, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped spring onions before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Velvety Cream of Tomato Soup?
It is a comforting classic soup that combines the rich flavors of ripe tomatoes with a touch of cream for a luxurious, velvety texture.
How long should I sauté the onion?
You should sauté the finely chopped onion for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and lightly golden.
How many cans of tomatoes are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires three 410g cans of crushed tomatoes.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, although the recipe calls for chicken stock, you can easily substitute it with vegetable stock to make the dish vegetarian.
What is the purpose of adding soft brown sugar?
Soft brown sugar is added to help balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes.
How much chicken stock is used in this soup?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of liquid chicken stock.
When do I add the garlic?
Stir in the crushed garlic after the onions have softened and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
How do I achieve the velvety texture?
After simmering, the soup is blended in batches until smooth and creamy, then finished with a cup of cream.
Can I use a food processor to blend the soup?
Yes, you can use either a blender or a food processor to blend the soup in batches.
Why should I avoid boiling the soup after adding the cream?
You should avoid boiling the soup after the cream is added to prevent the mixture from curdling.
What garnish is recommended for this tomato soup?
The soup is best served with a garnish of freshly chopped spring onions.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe uses 2 crushed garlic cloves.
What kind of oil should I use for cooking?
The recipe recommends using 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
What is the role of tomato paste in this recipe?
Tomato paste is added to provide extra richness to the soup's flavor profile.
How much cream is added to the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of cream for a creamy texture.
What should I serve with this soup?
It is delicious when served with crusty bread or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it was inspired by a cherished junior cookbook recipe and has been a family favorite for years.
Should the soup be cooled before blending?
Yes, let the soup cool for a few minutes after removing it from the heat before transferring it to a blender.
How much brown sugar is needed?
You will need 2 teaspoons of soft brown sugar.
Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
Yes, vegetable stock is a perfectly suitable substitute.
What heat setting should I use for simmering?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low to let it simmer.
Does this soup take a long time to make?
No, it is categorized as an easy recipe and a quick meal option.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
If the soup is thicker than you prefer after blending, you can stir in a little extra stock or cream to reach your desired consistency.
Is the onion finely chopped or sliced?
The onion should be finely chopped for this recipe.
Can I store leftovers of this soup?
Yes, tomato soup usually stores well in the refrigerator and can be gently reheated.
What size are the tomato cans mentioned?
The recipe specifies using 410 gram cans.
Should I cover the pot while simmering?
Yes, you should cover the pot partially with a lid while the soup simmers.
How do I know when the olive oil is ready for the onions?
Heat the oil over medium heat until it is shimmering before adding the onions.
Is this a good starter for a special meal?
Yes, its vibrant color and soothing warmth make it an excellent starter for special occasions.