Imagine a bowl of pure comfort that transforms ordinary heirloom tomatoes into a silky, creamy masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This Creamy Heirloom Tomato Soup isn't just another recipe—it's a culinary experience that elevates the humble tomato into a gourmet sensation. With golden, crispy garlic croutons adding a perfect crunch, this Italian-inspired dish promises to turn an everyday meal into an extraordinary dining adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds heirloom tomatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed for croutons
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the heirloom tomatoes by washing thoroughly and chopping into medium-sized chunks. Remove any stems or blemishes.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, being careful not to brown the garlic, which can create a bitter taste.
- Add chopped heirloom tomatoes to the pot and stir, allowing them to release their natural juices. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and flavors to meld.
- Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer to a blender in batches.
- Return the soup to low heat and stir in heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- For the croutons, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut bread into small cubes, toss with olive oil, and spread on a baking sheet.
- Bake croutons for 10-12 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with freshly made garlic croutons, and drizzle with a small amount of olive oil before serving.
Tips
- Choose ripe, colorful heirloom tomatoes for the most vibrant flavor and richness.
- Be gentle when sautéing garlic to prevent bitterness—30-45 seconds is the sweet spot.
- Use an immersion blender for easier and safer soup pureeing, minimizing kitchen mess.
- For extra smoothness, strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve after blending.
- Don't rush the simmering process—letting the tomatoes break down slowly develops deeper flavors.
- If the soup is too thick, thin with a little extra vegetable broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce.
- For a gourmet touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 85mg