Tomato soup is a comforting classic enjoyed around the world. This introduction explores why ripe tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a bit of patience create a soup that warms you from the inside out. Whether served alone or alongside a grilled cheese sandwich, homemade tomato soup is simple yet deeply satisfying.

Ingredients:

• Tomatoes(preferably cherry) 1 kg.
• ½ cup flour.
• 2 large onions
• ½ garlic
• 2 stalks celery
• 3 carrots
• 1 x fresh basil
• ½ L chicken stock
• olive oil
• Balsamico
• oregano
• sugar
• Cayenne Pepper
• Chili
• salt
• pepper
• 1.4 whipping cream

Directions:

1. Peal the leaves from the basil, chop the stalks.
2. Cut the tomatoes (in halves) and put them in an ovenproof dish.
3. Sprinkle with olive oil, add a little salt, pepper and cayenne pepper and one tablespoon of sugar. - add a little oregano and a few leaves of basil.
4. Heat the tomatoes in the oven at 200 (c) for apx. one hour.
5. Chop Onions, celery and carrots into rough dices,
6. Finely Chop garlic and basil stems.
7. Fry onions, garlic and basil stems for 4-5 minutes, keep stirring in a bit of olive oil, then add some cayenne and oregano.
8. add celery and carrots to the mix, and continue to stir.
9. Add the wheat flour, and stir to combine and finally add the stock.
10. Let the mixture simmer until the tomatoes are ready, then pour the contents of the ovenproof dish into the mix, and let it simmer for 1-2 hours.
11. Blend the soup, and add cream as needed, adjust the taste with salt, pepper, cayenne and balsamic vinegar.
12. Blend the remaining basil leaves with squeese of lemon juice, a bit of pepper and some olive oil.
13. Pour the soup into bowls, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and drip with the blended basil mixture.

1 Historical Background

Tomatoes entered European cuisine only a few hundred years ago, yet they quickly became indispensable. Tomato soup gained popularity in the 19th century as tomatoes became more widely cultivated. Many cultures now have their own variation, from creamy bisques to chunky rustic styles.

2 Pros and Cons

Tomato soup offers a healthy dose of vitamins and antioxidants, particularly when made from fresh tomatoes. The downside is its acidity, which may not agree with everyone’s stomach. Adding a bit of cream or sugar can mellow the flavor for sensitive palates.

3 Actionable Tips

1. Roast the tomatoes before simmering for deeper flavor.
2. Use vegetable stock for a lighter base, or chicken stock for richness.
3. Blend only half of the soup if you prefer some texture in each spoonful.

4 Serving Suggestions

Top each bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh basil. Pair with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a satisfying meal. Leftovers freeze well and reheat quickly for busy weeknights.

5 Conclusion

Homemade tomato soup transforms humble ingredients into a dish that feels both wholesome and elegant. By understanding its history and tailoring the recipe to your taste, you’ll have a dependable staple for any season.

6 Adapting for Dietary Needs

For a vegan version, skip the cream and rely on simmered vegetables for body. If you follow a low-sodium diet, taste the soup before adding salt and use herbs to boost flavor. Tomato soup is versatile, so customize it to your own nutritional requirements.

7 Final Thoughts

A bowl of tomato soup is more than just a starter; it represents comfort and culinary tradition. Experiment with herbs like thyme or oregano, and don’t be afraid to vary the amount of cream to find your ideal consistency. Each batch teaches you something new about balancing acidity and sweetness.

8 Experimenting with Toppings

Classic tomato soup often comes with a sprinkle of grated cheese, but you can liven it up with toasted pumpkin seeds, a swirl of pesto, or even a spoonful of Greek yogurt. Each garnish brings a new dimension of flavor and texture, turning a simple meal into something memorable.