How to Make a Delicious Creamy Tomato Soup

Creamy tomato soup is one of those comforting dishes that can be enjoyed all year round. This classic soup has a rich and smooth texture paired with the tanginess of tomatoes. A well-prepared version can satisfy your craving for something warm on chilly evenings or even as an appetizer at lunchtime. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to make your own creamy tomato soup while providing all necessary details such as cooking time and number of servings.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh basil, thyme, or oregano for garnish

Cooking time: Approx. 30 minutes

Number of servings: 4-6 people

Steps to Make Creamy Tomato Soup:

Step 1: Start by preparing your ingredients and preheating the pot or pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then sauté the chopped onions until they soften and become translucent.

Step 2: Once the onions are soft, add minced garlic to the mixture. Cook for a couple of minutes more until you smell the aroma of the garlic. Garlic is essential in adding flavor to your soup, so take care not to burn it as this can alter its taste.

Step 3: After cooking the onions and garlic, add the diced tomatoes (fresh or canned). If using fresh tomatoes, you might want to dice them smaller than if you were using canned ones. Sauté these ingredients until they soften a bit and start giving off their juices, which will enhance the flavor of your soup.

Step 4: Once the tomato mixture is ready, pour in two cups of vegetable broth or chicken broth depending on your preference for a lighter or richer taste. Bring it all to a boil and then reduce heat so that you can simmer it for about 15 minutes. During this time, make sure to stir occasionally to prevent any sticking at the bottom.

Step 5: After 15 minutes of simmering, use an immersion blender or transfer half of the soup into a regular blender (being careful not to overfill as hot liquids expand). Blend until you reach your desired consistency – whether it should be completely smooth or slightly chunky. If using a blender, always do this in batches rather than all at once.

Step 6: Once blended and returned to the pot, add half-and-half or heavy cream for that extra richness and creaminess. Season with salt and pepper according to taste preference. You can also choose to garnish your soup with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano if you prefer.

Step 7: Allow the soup to heat up again gently on low until everything is thoroughly heated through before serving. Serve immediately while hot for best taste and texture.

Optional Variations

• Add a tablespoon of sugar or brown sugar to balance out the acidity from the tomatoes.
• Increase or decrease the amount of broth based on how thin or thick you like your soup.
• For a vegan version, ensure that all ingredients are plant-based, including the cream substitute which can be almond milk or coconut milk.

Tips and Tricks

To achieve an even more velvety texture, whisk some cornstarch into cold water before adding it to your soup. This helps thicken and enrich its consistency without needing additional ingredients like cream.

Remember that when blending hot liquids in a blender, make sure the lid is secured tightly as steam might escape causing potential injury or mess. Always blend in short bursts starting from low speed to high gradually increasing the power while keeping an eye on it.

In conclusion, making creamy tomato soup at home can be an enjoyable process filled with delightful aromas and flavors. With these simple steps outlined above, you will have a delicious homemade version every time! Whether served as part of your meal or enjoyed alone, this comforting dish is sure to become one of your favorites.