Difficulty Level: Beginner
Why it’s great for your cooking channel: Tomato Soup is an excellent addition to your cooking channel for several reasons. Its straightforward preparation and minimal ingredients make it an accessible recipe for cooks of all levels, ensuring that viewers will feel confident trying it out at home. The rich, comforting flavor of this homemade soup will appeal to your audience, and the visual appeal of vibrant, fresh tomatoes will look fantastic on camera. Plus, you can easily customize this soup with various herbs, spices, and toppings, offering plenty of opportunities to engage your viewers with creative variations. The soup’s versatility as both a starter and a main course also makes it a must-have in any home cook’s repertoire, adding value to your channel’s content.
Description: Tomato Soup is a comforting and classic dish made from ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a touch of cream. Perfect for any time of the year, this soup is rich in flavor, easy to prepare, and pairs wonderfully with a grilled cheese sandwich. (View Our Grilled Cheese Recipe)
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Serving size: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 kg (about 2 lbs) ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or a handful of fresh basil leaves)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar. Cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and release their juices.
- Add Broth and Basil: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and add the dried basil. If using fresh basil, add it at the end of the cooking process. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, then return it to the pot.
- Season and Add Cream: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the heavy cream if using, and let it heat through for a couple of minutes.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.
Final Thoughts: Tomato Soup is a timeless recipe that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Its simplicity is its strength, allowing the natural flavors of ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs to shine. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this soup is sure to impress with its vibrant taste and soothing qualities. As you share this recipe on your cooking channel, you’ll not only be teaching your audience how to make a delicious meal but also inspiring them to appreciate the beauty of homemade, wholesome food. Enjoy the journey of making and sharing this delightful dish!
