How to Make Delicious Tomato Soup in 5 Easy Steps

1. Gather the Ingredients and Tools

Before starting the cooking process, it’s essential to have all the necessary ingredients and tools on hand. Here are the things you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Tools:

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Immersion blender or regular blender
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Make sure to wash the tomatoes and other vegetables before using them. Having everything ready before starting the cooking process will make it easier and more efficient.

2. Cook the Tomatoes and Other Vegetables

To make the tomato soup, start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and let it heat up for a minute or two. Then, add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until they become translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally.

Next, add the tomatoes to the pot, along with the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and tender.

Once the tomatoes are cooked, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Then, use an immersion blender or regular blender to blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. Be careful when blending hot liquids, as they can splatter and cause burns.

After blending, return the soup to the pot and add the heavy cream (if using). Stir to combine, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the soup for an additional 5-10 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.

3. Blend the Soup Mixture

Blending the soup mixture is an important step in creating a smooth and creamy texture. There are two methods you can use to blend the soup: an immersion blender or a regular blender.

If using an immersion blender, simply insert the blender into the pot and blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. Move the blender around the pot to make sure all areas are blended evenly.

If using a regular blender, let the soup cool for a few minutes before transferring it to the blender. Only fill the blender halfway to avoid splatters, and blend in batches if necessary. Hold a towel over the lid to prevent it from flying off due to the steam created by the hot soup.

Once the soup is blended, return it to the pot and bring it back to a simmer. At this point, you can add more broth or cream to adjust the consistency to your liking. Remember to taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

4. Add Cream and Seasonings

After blending the soup mixture, it’s time to add the cream and seasonings. Adding cream is optional, but it can give the soup a richer and creamier texture. If you decide to add cream, pour it into the pot and stir to combine.

Next, taste the soup and add salt and pepper to adjust the seasoning as needed. You can also add other seasonings, such as dried basil or oregano, to enhance the flavor of the soup.

Remember to stir the soup frequently as it simmers over low heat to prevent the bottom from burning. If the soup is too thick, you can add more broth or cream to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Once the soup is seasoned to your liking, let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Then, turn off the heat and let the soup cool for a few minutes before serving.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Congratulations, you’ve made a delicious tomato soup! Now it’s time to serve and enjoy it.

To serve the soup, ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs, croutons, or a drizzle of olive oil. You can also serve the soup with a side of bread or crackers.

Tomato soup can be enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner, or as a starter for a more elaborate meal. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

With these easy steps, you can make a flavorful and comforting tomato soup that will warm you up on a cold day. Enjoy!