Cozy up with a bowl of Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) that warms the soul on chilly days. This comforting dish combines canned tomatoes, garlic, and cream to create a luscious texture and rich flavor. Perfect for family gatherings or a quiet night in, this soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a classic grilled cheese sandwich, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking, you can enjoy a delicious meal in no time.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of crushed tomatoes, garlic, and cream creates a creamy tomato soup bursting with flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a starter, main course, or lunch option. It pairs well with various sides like salads or sandwiches.
- Comforting: Perfect for cold winter days, this soup provides warmth and comfort with every spoonful.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to make this recipe your own.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather the necessary tools to streamline your efforts. Having the right equipment makes preparing your creamy tomato soup much easier.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Immersion blender (or regular blender)
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Chopping knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for sautéing vegetables and simmering the soup evenly without spills.
- Immersion blender: Allows for easy blending directly in the pot without transferring hot ingredients to another container.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Soup
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For Creaminess
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
How to Make Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes)
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir in the dried basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Blend the Soup
Remove the pot from heat. Carefully blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth. Alternatively, transfer batches to a blender and blend until smooth before returning to the pot.
Step 4: Stir in Cream
Return the pot to low heat. Slowly stir in the heavy cream until combined and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
Ladle the creamy tomato soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve with crusty bread or alongside grilled cheese for a perfect winter meal!
How to Serve Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes)
Serving Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup is an opportunity to elevate your cozy dining experience. This luscious soup pairs beautifully with various accompaniments that enhance its flavor and warmth.
With Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- A classic pairing, the crispy and cheesy grilled cheese sandwich complements the creamy tomato soup perfectly. Use your favorite bread and cheese for a delightful crunch.
With Crusty Bread
- Serve the soup with slices of crusty bread for dipping. The bread soaks up the rich flavors of the soup, making each bite satisfying.
With Fresh Basil
- Garnish each bowl with fresh basil leaves. This adds a pop of color and enhances the basil flavor in the soup, making it more aromatic.
With Croutons
- Top your soup with crunchy croutons for added texture. You can use store-bought or make your own by toasting cubes of bread in garlic butter.
With a Side Salad
- A simple green salad offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup. Consider a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
How to Perfect Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes)
To make your Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Canned Tomatoes: Select high-quality canned tomatoes for a richer flavor. San Marzano tomatoes are often recommended for their sweetness and taste.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust seasoning as needed. A bit more salt or a dash of vinegar can brighten the flavors.
- Incorporate Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley at the end can elevate the taste profile. They add freshness that complements the creaminess.
- Experiment with Spices: Consider adding spices such as red pepper flakes for heat or smoked paprika for depth. These can give your soup an exciting twist.
- Blend Thoroughly: Ensure you blend the soup until smooth for a velvety texture. This helps create that creamy consistency everyone loves.
- Serve Warm: Always serve this comforting soup warm to enhance its cozy appeal during chilly winter days.
Best Side Dishes for Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes)
Pairing side dishes with your Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Grilled Cheese Bites
Mini grilled cheese sandwiches are easy to dip into your soup, providing a fun and tasty treat alongside each bowl. - Caesar Salad
A Caesar salad adds crunch and zest, balancing out the creaminess of the tomato soup wonderfully. - Garlic Breadsticks
Soft garlic breadsticks are perfect for dunking into creamy soups while adding a flavorful kick. - Cheesy Quesadillas
Melted cheese in quesadillas brings great flavor and pairs well with tomato soup’s acidity. - Stuffed Mushrooms
Savory stuffed mushrooms offer an elegant touch, making them a delicious complement to your warm bowl of soup. - Roasted Vegetables
Roasted seasonal vegetables provide nutrients and flavors that blend beautifully with tomato-based dishes. - Savory Scones
Cheese or herb scones can be enjoyed alongside your tomato soup, bringing warmth and comfort to every bite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) can be simple, but small errors can impact the flavor and texture. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Using Low-Quality Tomatoes: Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor in your soup. Cheap brands may have a metallic taste that ruins the dish.
- Skipping the Sautéing Step: Neglecting to sauté the onions and garlic can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always take time to cook these ingredients until fragrant.
- Overcooking the Cream: Adding cream at too high a temperature can cause it to curdle. Always stir it in on low heat to keep it smooth and creamy.
- Not Tasting Before Serving: Failing to taste your soup before serving can result in unbalanced flavors. Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as needed for the best results.
- Ignoring Storage Tips: Improper storage can affect freshness. Make sure to store leftovers properly to maintain flavor and texture.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes)
- Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes)
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
You can substitute fresh tomatoes, but you’ll need about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes and may need extra cooking time.
How do I make my Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) vegan?
To make it vegan, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and use vegetable broth.
What herbs can I add for extra flavor?
Feel free to add oregano, thyme, or parsley along with basil for a more complex flavor profile.
Can I add vegetables to this creamy tomato soup?
Yes! Chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers can be added during the sautéing step for extra nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) is not just comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite herbs or vegetables. Enjoy it with crusty bread or a warm sandwich for a delightful meal that warms both body and soul!
Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 4 servings 1x
Description
Cozy up with this Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup made from canned tomatoes, a perfect dish to warm your soul on chilly days. This quick and easy recipe combines crushed tomatoes, garlic, and cream for a luscious texture and rich flavor that’s hard to resist. Ideal for family gatherings or a quiet night in, this creamy soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a classic grilled cheese sandwich. Enjoy it as a comforting starter, main course, or lunch option that can be easily customized with your favorite herbs and spices.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 5-7 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth along with dried basil, salt, sugar, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender.
- Return the pot to low heat, stir in the heavy cream, adjust seasoning if necessary, and warm through.
- Serve hot garnished with fresh basil leaves alongside crusty bread or grilled cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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