Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary soup experience into an extraordinary flavor adventure! This Cream of Smoked Tomato Soup is not just another recipe—it's a luxurious symphony of smoky depth, velvety texture, and rich Italian-inspired elegance that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a curious cooking enthusiast, this recipe promises to elevate your soup game and impress even the most discerning palates.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 800g smoked tomatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 500ml vegetable stock
- 200ml cream
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the smoked tomatoes and onion into small pieces. Mince the garlic cloves and set them aside.
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Next, add the chopped smoked tomatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine with the onion and garlic, allowing the flavors to meld together. Cook for about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable stock, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes, which will help to deepen the flavors of the soup.
- After simmering, remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it reaches a smooth consistency. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender, blending until smooth, and then return it to the pot.
- Once blended, return the pot to low heat. Stir in the cream, mixing thoroughly. Allow the soup to warm for an additional 5 minutes, but do not let it boil.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning based on your preference.
- To serve, ladle the cream of smoked tomato soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious cream of smoked tomato soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal!
Tips
- Choose High-Quality Smoked Tomatoes: The key to an exceptional soup lies in using top-quality smoked tomatoes. Look for ripe, well-smoked varieties that offer a deep, complex flavor profile.
- Blending Technique Matters: For the smoothest possible soup, use an immersion blender directly in the pot. If using a countertop blender, blend in small batches and be careful with hot liquids.
- Temperature Control: When adding cream, keep the heat low to prevent curdling. Stir continuously and avoid boiling the soup after cream is added.
- Garnish Creatively: While fresh basil is classic, experiment with other garnishes like crispy pancetta, toasted pine nuts, or a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This soup actually tastes better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Customize Your Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, add a bit more vegetable stock. For a thicker soup, reduce the liquid or add a small amount of cream.
- Enhance Depth of Flavor: Consider roasting your vegetables before adding them to the pot to intensify their natural sweetness and smokiness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
