Ingredients for Tomato Soup
To make this flavourful soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 6-8 ripe tomatoes
- 1 medium-sized onion (finely chopped)
- 3-4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 medium carrot (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 2 cups vegetable stock or water
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- Cream or yogurt (optional, for serving)
Step-by-Step Recipe for Tomato Soup
- Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Wash the tomatoes and make a small cross at the base of each.
- Blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes and then transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This makes peeling the skin easier.
- Peel the tomatoes and chop them into pieces.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the chopped carrot and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the Soup:
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and stir well.
- Pour in the vegetable stock or water.
- Add salt, black pepper, and sugar (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Blend and Strain:
- Once the vegetables are tender, use an immersion blender to puree the soup. Alternatively, let the mixture cool slightly and blend it in batches using a countertop blender.
- Strain the soup through a sieve to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Reheat the soup if necessary. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a swirl of cream or yogurt, if desired.
Nutritional Information of Tomato Soup
Tomato soup is not only delicious but also a powerhouse of essential nutrients. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (1 cup):
- Calories: 90-120 (depends on added cream or butter)
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Protein: 2-4g
- Fat: 3-5g
- Fiber: 3-4g
- Vitamin C: 30-40% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin A: 20-30% of the DV
- Potassium: 300-400mg
- Lycopene: Rich in antioxidants that support heart health and skin health.
Tips for Enhancing Your Tomato Soup
- Add a pinch of red chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- For a creamier texture, blend in some cooked potatoes or cashew paste.
- Pair your soup with a slice of whole-grain bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a hearty meal.
Try it out today and savour the goodness of fresh ingredients!
