Tomato soup is one of the most beloved and comforting soups around the world. Its bright red hue and velvety smooth texture make it an inviting dish that can warm you up on a cold day or serve as a light start to a meal. Despite its humble ingredients, a well-made tomato soup can be incredibly flavorful and satisfying.

The basis of a great tomato soup starts with fresh, ripe tomatoes. Their natural sweetness is complemented by aromatic vegetables like onions, garlic, and herbs. Slowly simmering these ingredients together allows the flavors to meld and concentrate. The soup is then blended to a silky puree consistency.

What separates a basic tomato soup from one that is lusciously creamy is the introduction of dairy. A swirl of heavy cream, creme franchise, or even a dollop of sour cream enriches the soup, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes with a touch of richness and body.

Tomato soup can be as simple or embellished as you like. Classic grilled cheese is the perfect dipper, but you can also garnish with croutons, fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil or pesto. No matter how you serve it, this vibrant colored soup hits the spot with its comforting, nostalgic flavors that feel like a warm hug Ingredients

Table of Contents

Tomato soup impotent Ingredients:

4 large ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped (around 2 cups chopped)
2 whole cloves

2 green cardamom pods
2 bay leaves
1/2 inch piece fresh ginger, grated or finely minced (about 1 tsp)

2-4 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
20g butter (about 1.5 tbsp)

500ml water or vegetable stock
1 tsp Kashmiri chili powder or paprika
1 tsp white sugar

100ml full cream
Salt and pepper to taste
1 bread slice for croutons

Olive oil or butter for cooking croutons

Tomato soup Making process:

In a large pan or pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the sliced onions and sauté for 1 minute until translucent.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the chopped tomatoes and stir well to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until tomatoes are slightly softened.
Pour in the 500ml water or vegetable stock. Add the whole cloves, cardamom pods, and bay leaves.
Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes until tomatoes are very soft and falling apart.

While the soup simmers, prepare the croutons. Cut the bread slice into small 1/2-inch cubes. Heat a small pan over medium with a drizzle of olive oil or knob of butter. Add the bread cubes and cook for 3-5 minutes, tossing frequently, until crispy and lightly browned on all sides. Transfer croutons to a plate and set aside.
Once the soup mixture has simmered and cooked through, remove from heat. Use a slotted spoon to remove and discard the whole spices (cloves, cardamom, bay leaves).
Allow the soup to cool slightly for 10-15 minutes until safe to blend. Working in batches if needed, transfer the soup to a blender and blend until completely smooth and creamy.

Return the blended soup to the cooking pot through a mesh strainer to remove any remaining solids or unwanted chunks. Discard solids left in strainer.
Set the pot over medium heat and bring the soup to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Once simmering, add the Kashmiri chili powder (or paprika) and sugar. Stir well and simmer for 1-2 minutes more.

Remove the soup from heat and stir in the cream until fully incorporated and the soup is velvety smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.

To Serve:

Ladle the hot creamy tomato soup into bowls and garnish each serving with a sprinkling of croutons. You can also top with extra cream, fresh basil, or grated cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

For best results, use ripe fresh tomatoes for maximum flavor. The touch of warm spices like clove and cardamom infuse the soup with aroma and depth. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable stock instead of water. This simple yet comforting tomato soup is a delicious way to enjoy the taste of fresh tomatoes.