Tomato soup is one of those comfort soups that is so delicious and satisfying. This rich creamy soup is easy to make and if you choose to add the pesto, it takes it to the next level, making it so scrumptious!
A SUPER SIMPLE EASY SOUP WITH SUPER DELICIOUS RESULTS
This classic tomato soup has been a favourite of mine since I was a kid. Mom would start making tomato soup during the summer months when tomatoes were in season. She would can several bottles of tomato juice, yes back then it was bottles and she had a tool that would cap the lids on securely. I remember watching her put all of her weight on this tool so the cap would seal and secure the lid. I would commend her for doing all of the canning she did for our large family to have tasty meals over the winter months. Whether it was tomato juice, whole tomatoes or tomato stew (lecso), it was an inexpensive way to make many different dishes that we added to our spaghetti, cabbage rolls, stuffed peppers, stews, sauces and soups.
This recipe I took some of Mom’s ideas and combined them with mine to come with this delicious tomato soup. I have made different variations and using the base from Mom’s recipe was where I started. Tomato soup is one of those soups you can make any time of the year, now that you can purchase canned whole tomatoes to speed up the cooking process and the results are just as delicious as fresh tomatoes.
This recipe has simple and few ingredients yet their flavours are full of goodness, so tasty and comforting. Who doesn’t like a good bowl of tomato soup with toasted cheesy baguettes, crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich. The simple things in life can be the best!
WHAT MAKES THIS SOUP SO DELICIOUS
I used Roma tomatoes for this soup and it is the only variety of tomatoes I will use for my sauces and soups. It is a classic Italian tomato that is rich in flavour once cooked or stewed, it has less water content and as a result the outcome is a creamy thick sauce.
I started the soup with onions and garlic, both a favourite and flavourful sweetness and fragrant. I like to add a small amount of sugar to the soup to balance the flavours and acidity.
The herbs I added were basil and parsley, both are fragrant and adds lots of sweet flavour. If you decide to add the pesto, it becomes more tasty.
You will notice I used organic tomatoes, vegetables stock and cream. If I can I much prefer organic choices to my recipes as they has minimum amount of pestisides and chemicals and they are more flavourful. I will often look for the specials to help reduce the cost.
VEGAN OPTION
You can easily enjoy this delicious soup if you are on a vegan diet. You will still get the full flavour of this soup by:
- replacing the butter with olive oil or avocado oil
- cream also can be substituted for non-dairy milk such as coconut cream or nut cream such as cashew cream if you choose to add it
- I added a small amount of Parmesan cheese and I have had this soup without it and it was still so flavourful and thoroughly enjoyed
NUTRITIONAL FACTS
Tomatoes are high in Vitamin A and C making it nutritious choice for maintaining healthy eyes, skin, digestion and strong bones. The Lycopene that is released during the cooking process, is so important for a healthy heart and the antioxidants that prevent cancer.
INGREDIENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Tomatoes: I recommend stewed Roma tomatoes for this recipe and organic if possible. Roma tomatoes gives a rich creamy results, and honestly, in my opinion, they have the best sweet flavour.
Onion: sauté long enough to release the sweetness.
Garlic: sauté only about one minute enough to release the fragrance
Vegetable stock: will add flavour to the soup and if I don’t have vegetable stock or broth on hand, I will use organic bouillon cubes, so for this recipe you will need only half of one cube with one cup of water.
Flour: is the starch to help thicken the soup
Tomato paste: added as a thickener and binds the soup
Sugar: is often added to reduce the acidity from the tomatoes.
Salt and pepper: adding to season the soup
Cream: is optional, it will add that extra creamy texture
Parsley and Basil: is a herbs that is so versatile, and is so fresh and fragrant in flavour, and it compliments this tomato soup.
Parmesan cheese: only a small amount was added
HOW TO MAKE THIS DELICIOUS SOUP
In a large sauce pot, over medium heat, melt butter and then add chopped onion. Sauté onion for about 5 minutes until softened, then add garlic and sauté for 1 minute, then stir in flour. Add tomatoes, vegetable stock, tomato paste, sugar, salt and pepper. Once it starts to come to a slow boil, begin stirring so the flour doesn’t stick to the bottom of the sauce pot. Reduce heat and add basil and simmer for about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, make the pesto and set aside ready for garnishing.
Carefully, transfer in batches to food processor or blender, another option is using a hand emulsifier and puree until smooth. Stir in the cream and Parmesan cheese if you decide to add. Taste and adjust seasoning at this time. Garnish with pesto, heirloom tomatoes and basil. Enjoy!
HOMEMADE PESTO
I made a small amount of pesto for this soup and the recipe below adds up to about 1/2 cup. You could always have your family or guests add their own pesto. For this pesto, I used parsley, basil, walnuts, garlic, extra virgin olive oil and sea salt.
Since I had these ingredients on hand I thought it was a great idea to make pesto and jazz up this tomato soup, adding more flavour and style it your own personal way. It will definitely impress your guests.
FAQ
Can I use fresh tomatoes for this recipe? Yes you can, you will need to remove the skins of the tomatoes by placing them in boiling water and sometimes it’s suggested to score the tomatoes. Leave them in the boiling water for about 30 seconds to a minute. Then remove with slotted spoon and place in ice water for a few seconds, then remove the skins.
Can I use other varieties of tomatoes other than Roma? You can always use San Marzano Italian tomato, they are considered a heirloom tomato; also Viva Italia, Big Mama or Amish Paste are favourites when it comes to sauces and soups.
Do I have to add pesto to this soup? No you don’t but I would highly recommend it. You could always add more basil, approximately 4 more leaves. Although, pesto does give this soup additional flavour and offers a lovely presentation.
Easy Creamy Tomato Soup with Pesto
Equipment
- large sauce pot or cast iron pot
- hand emulsifier, blender or food processor
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1-28 oz (796 mL) can organic whole roma tomatoes
- 14 oz stewed or diced organic roma tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable stock
- 2 tbsp organic tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp Himalayan salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4-5 basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup 10% organic cream
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Homemade pesto for garnishing (optional)
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp Himalyan salt (sea salt)
- 2-3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- In a large sauce pot, over medium heat, melt butter and then add chopped onion. Sauté onion for about 5 minutes until softened, then add garlic and sauté for 1 minute, then stir in flour.
- Add tomatoes, vegetable stock, tomato paste, sugar, salt and pepper. Once it starts to come to a slow boil, begin stirring so the flour doesn’t stick to the bottom of the sauce pot. Reduce heat and add basil, simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Transfer in batches to food processor/blender or use a hand emulsifier and puree until smooth. Return the soup back into the pot and with the heat on low, stir in the cream and simmer for about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add Parmesan cheese at this point if you like.
Homemade Pesto: optional
- Using a food processor or blender, add walnuts, garlic, parsley, basil, and salt. Turn on the food processor, and once the walnuts, basil and parsley are chopped, slowly stream in the olive oil until it starts to bind and becomes creamy, then it's ready.
- Garnish with pesto and sliced cherry tomatoes. Serve with crusty or toasted baguette, or grilled cheese sandwich.
Notes
Nutrition
The results are this rich creamy smooth luxurious soup that your family thinks you spent hours cooking. Arrange the pesto, sliced cherry tomatoes and a few small basil leaf’s to garnish. Serve it with toasted baguette, crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches or focaccia bread.
