How to Make Tomato Soup: From Scratch to Upgrades

Introduction

Tomato soup is a classic comfort food loved by many. However, not everyone knows how to make it from scratch or how to explore different variations. In this article, we’ll provide step-by-step recipes, a history of tomato soup, a comparative analysis of tomato varieties, canned soup upgrades, and nutritional benefits.

How to Make Tomato Soup from Scratch

The key to making great tomato soup from scratch is starting with fresh ingredients. Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need for the traditional recipe:

• 2-3 pounds of ripe tomatoes
• 1 medium onion
• 2-3 cloves of garlic
• 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Follow these easy steps to make your own tomato soup:

1. Preheat your oven to 450℉.
2. Cut your tomatoes and onion into chunks and place them in a baking dish. Add garlic cloves, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
3. Roast the vegetables for about 25-30 minutes or until they are caramelized.
4. Let the vegetables cool and transfer them into a blender to puree.
5. In a pot, simmer the vegetable broth and add the tomato puree. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper, adjust the consistency, and serve.

Here are some tips and tricks when making tomato soup:

• For a smoother texture, strain the tomato soup before serving.
• Add a splash of cream for a creamier texture.
• Add fresh basil for a burst of flavor.

Different Variations of Tomato Soup

If you’re looking to switch up your tomato soup recipe, here are some different variations to try:

Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe

To make creamy tomato soup, replace some of the vegetable broth with heavy cream. Here are the ingredients:

• 2-3 pounds of ripe tomatoes
• 1 medium onion
• 2-3 cloves of garlic
• 2 cups of vegetable broth
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Follow the same steps to make the tomato soup from scratch and add cream at the end when you simmer the soup.

Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe

To make roasted tomato soup, use roasted canned tomatoes. Here are the ingredients:

• 2 cans of roasted tomatoes
• 1 medium onion
• 2-3 cloves of garlic
• 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Follow the same steps as the traditional recipe but replace fresh tomatoes with canned roasted tomatoes.

Spicy Tomato Soup Recipe

If you like some heat in your tomato soup, try this recipe:

• 2-3 pounds of ripe tomatoes
• 1 medium onion
• 2-3 cloves of garlic
• 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1-2 teaspoons of chili flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Follow the same steps as the traditional recipe but add chili flakes when roasting the vegetables.

The History of Tomato Soup

The first documented tomato soup recipe dates back to the 18th century. The recipe called for tomato puree, breadcrumbs, and spices. Tomato soup became popular in America in the late 19th century, and it was mostly served in restaurants. It wasn’t until the Great Depression that canned tomato soup became popular as it was affordable and easy to prepare. Today, tomato soup is considered a classic soup dish worldwide.

Comparative Analysis of Tomato Varieties that Make the Best Soup

The type of tomato you use can significantly affect the taste of your tomato soup. Here are some of the most common tomato varieties and their properties:

• Roma tomatoes: great for purees and sauces, dense and meaty flesh.
• Beefsteak tomatoes: large and juicy, perfect for sandwiches, salads, and soups.
• Cherry tomatoes: small and sweet, full of flavor, ideal for garnishing soup.
• San Marzano tomatoes: sweet and tangy, low acid content, perfect for soups and stews.

The best tomato variety for making tomato soup is the San Marzano tomato. It is full of flavor and has a low acid content, making it perfect for soups.

Upgrading Canned Tomato Soup

While making tomato soup from scratch is ideal, sometimes we need a quick meal fix. Here are some tips on how to enhance the flavor of canned tomato soup:

• Add sautéed onions and garlic for additional flavor.
• Add fresh or dried herbs like basil or oregano to give it a fresh taste.
• Add a splash of cream to make it creamier.
• Drizzle some olive oil and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese for added richness.

With these simple ingredients, you can make canned tomato soup taste homemade.

Nutritional Benefits of Tomato Soup

Tomato soup is not only delicious but also healthy. Here are some of the nutritional benefits:

• Lycopene content: Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that can help prevent cancer and heart disease.
• Immune-boosting benefits of garlic: Garlic contains allicin, a compound that can reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system.
• Low-calorie properties of the soup: Tomato soup is a low-calorie meal that can help you lose weight and maintain a healthy diet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tomato soup is a classic comfort food that is easy to make, healthy, and delicious. You can make it from scratch or upgrade canned soup with simple add-ins. Whether you want to try traditional tomato soup or explore different variations, this article has you covered.