Delicious Tomato Soup Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Tomato Soup

Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe

I'm sure if you made this tomato soup recipe with fresh Jersey tomatoes when they are in season and perfectly ripe it would taste better but sometimes you are craving a hot tomato soup when the weather is cold outside. In this case, I used canned tomatoes and still received rave reviews from family and friends.

There are many brands of canned tomatoes on the market these days so it is important to pick the one that has the best flavor to you. Look for whole, peeled tomatoes that are firm and aren't too salty or have that processed taste.

Tomato Soup

Tomato soup, a classic comfort food beloved by many, is a culinary masterpiece that transcends seasons and cultures. Its rich history dates back centuries, with variations found in cuisines around the globe. This humble yet versatile dish has secured its place as a staple in kitchens worldwide, celebrated for its simplicity and depth of flavor.

At its core, tomato soup is a celebration of the tomato itself — vibrant, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Whether crafted from fresh, ripe tomatoes or canned varieties, the essence of this fruit shines through in every spoonful. The process of simmering tomatoes with aromatic ingredients such as onions, garlic, and herbs results in a luscious base that tantalizes the taste buds.

One of the most enticing qualities of tomato soup is its adaptability. From creamy bisques to chunky gazpachos, there exists a myriad of interpretations to suit every palate and occasion. Some prefer their tomato soup smooth and velvety, enriched with cream for a luxurious texture, while others enjoy it hearty and rustic, brimming with chunks of tomatoes and vegetables. Regardless of the rendition, each bowl offers a comforting warmth that soothes the soul.

Tomato soup's versatility extends beyond its basic form, inviting creativity and experimentation in the kitchen. Chefs and home cooks alike delight in embellishing this beloved dish with a myriad of toppings and garnishes. Croutons add a satisfying crunch, while a sprinkle of fresh herbs imparts a burst of freshness. For those seeking a touch of indulgence, a dollop of creamy goat cheese or a swirl of pesto elevates the humble soup to gourmet status.

Beyond its culinary appeal, tomato soup holds a special place in the hearts of many for its nostalgic value. Fond memories of childhood dinners, cozy lunches on chilly days, and gatherings with loved ones often center around a steaming bowl of this beloved soup. Its comforting aroma evokes feelings of warmth and security, transporting individuals back to simpler times with each savory sip.

Nutritionally, tomato soup offers a wealth of health benefits, making it not only delicious but also nutritious. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, which have been linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of certain diseases. When prepared with wholesome ingredients and minimal added fats or sugars, tomato soup can be a wholesome addition to a balanced diet.

Tomato soup stands as a testament to the timeless appeal of simple, honest ingredients. Its rich history, adaptability, and comforting qualities have secured its status as a beloved culinary classic. Whether enjoyed on a crisp autumn day or a chilly winter evening, a bowl of tomato soup is sure to warm both the body and the soul, leaving a lasting impression on all who partake.

Who Invented Tomato Soup?

The exact origins of tomato soup are difficult to pinpoint to a single inventor or moment in history. However, tomatoes themselves are native to the Americas and were introduced to Europe in the 16th century after Spanish explorers brought them back from the New World. Initially met with skepticism and even considered poisonous due to their resemblance to the deadly nightshade plant, tomatoes eventually gained acceptance and popularity in European cuisine.

The concept of cooking tomatoes into a soup likely evolved as tomatoes became more widely cultivated and integrated into various culinary traditions. Early recipes for tomato-based soups appear in cookbooks from the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in regions where tomatoes were abundant, such as Italy and Spain.

One notable precursor to modern tomato soup is "pappa al pomodoro," a Tuscan dish that dates back centuries. This rustic soup is made by simmering tomatoes with bread, olive oil, garlic, and herbs until thick and hearty. While not identical to the tomato soup we know today, it demonstrates the long-standing tradition of using tomatoes as a base for soups and stews.

The commercialization and popularization of tomato soup are often attributed to the American culinary landscape of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Canned tomato soup, in particular, gained widespread popularity thanks to companies like Campbell's, which introduced its condensed tomato soup in 1897. This innovation made tomato soup more accessible and convenient for consumers, contributing to its status as a beloved comfort food in American households.

Puff Pastry

Puff pastry, a marvel of culinary ingenuity, is a delicate and flaky dough that has delighted taste buds around the world for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to medieval Europe, where bakers experimented with layering dough and fat to create light, airy pastries. However, it wasn't until the 17th century that French pastry chefs perfected the technique, giving rise to the exquisite pastry known as "pâte feuilletée," or puff pastry.

What sets puff pastry apart is its unique lamination process, which involves folding layers of dough and butter multiple times to create hundreds of thin, alternating layers. During baking, the moisture in the butter evaporates, causing the layers to separate and puff up dramatically, resulting in a pastry that is crisp, flaky, and incredibly light.

The versatility of puff pastry knows no bounds, as it can be used in both sweet and savory applications with equal finesse. In the realm of sweet pastries, puff pastry forms the foundation for iconic desserts such as palmiers, mille-feuille, and fruit tarts. Its delicate layers provide the perfect canvas for showcasing a medley of flavors, from rich pastry cream to fresh berries and caramelized sugar.

You can make this soup more fancy with the addition of a pastry crust. Here's a recipe from my friend Chef Jennifer Field for making a pastry crust, but she also suggests trying the frozen ready-made puff pastry available at your supermarket.

I opted for the second option and it was a hit.

📖 Recipe

Print Recipe

Tomato Soup Recipe

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time1 hour hr

Total Time1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil virgin
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 large white onion chopped finely
• 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 28 oz whole peeled plum tomatoes with juice
• sugar to taste
• red wine vinegar to taste
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried
• salt & freshly ground pepper to taste
• ½ cup heavy cream optional
• 1 small jar roasted peppers

Instructions

• Start by heating a big soup pot over medium heat, add the butter and oil, and then the chopped onion & garlic.
• When the onions are soft, add the chicken stock, tomatoes, sugar, a little red wine vinegar, thyme and salt & pepper.
• Raise the heat to medium-high and bring the soup to a simmer. Once at a simmer, lower the heat to low, cover the pot and cook for 45 minutes.
• When the soup is done, remove the thyme twigs and puree the soup.

  You can use a blender or food processor. I like using my hand blender. It works great, is easy to clean and I don't have to lug the big pot over to the food processor and inevitably spill some soup on the counter.
• I added the heavy cream and roasted peppers just before I pureed the soup but I guess you could add them 5 minutes before the soup is done.

  For me the peppers were a last minute addition that I wasn't planning from the start and it worked out great.
• After pureeing the soup, let it cool down before serving. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper and serve.

Some of My Favorite Soup Recipes