Easy Italian Tomato Soup Recipe

Italian tomato soup is a beloved classic that can be enjoyed as a hearty meal or paired with various appetizers. It’s the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings and simple enough to whip up on busy days. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have this richly-flavored soup ready in no time!

Ingredients needed:

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups of fresh tomatoes, peeled and diced (or 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes)
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup of chicken broth or vegetable stock (adjust based on preference)
• Ground nutmeg for garnish (optional)

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4-6 people

Step-by-step guide to making Italian Tomato Soup:

1. Prepare the ingredients. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute or so until fragrant.

2. Season the soup base. Once the onions and garlic are ready, add the diced tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for around 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together nicely. For enhanced flavor, include dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper as you stir in.

3. Add broth for depth. After the tomatoes have cooked down a bit, pour in chicken broth or vegetable stock to reach your desired thickness. Continue simmering until the soup has thickened slightly but is still smooth enough to blend easily if preferred.

Tips and Tricks:

1. To add extra richness, you can use heavy cream instead of water to thin out the soup at the end.

2. For a smoother texture, puree half of the soup using an immersion blender or transfer some batches into a regular blender. Blend until smooth and then return it back to the pot.

3. If you prefer more tomato flavor, you can add extra tomatoes or even a few tablespoons of tomato paste for intensity.

Vegetarian Twist:

The traditional Italian Tomato Soup is versatile and can be adapted into a vegetarian dish. To make it vegetarian, simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth. You might also want to add some fresh spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for extra nutrients and color.

How to Garnish:

To finish your Italian Tomato Soup perfectly, consider garnishing it with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg if desired. A drizzle of olive oil or a swirl of cream adds another layer of flavor. This simple addition enhances the taste without overpowering it.

Tips for Serving and Storing:

For serving, you can pair your Italian Tomato Soup with crusty bread, fresh garlic bread sticks, or grilled cheese sandwiches. This soup is also great served alongside a green salad to balance out its richness.

• Storage: Leftover soup will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in portion sizes so that you always have a warm meal at hand.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply place frozen portions in the microwave or on the stove top over low heat until warmed through.

The Heartwarming Benefits:

Italian Tomato Soup isn’t just about taste; it’s also packed with heart-healthy benefits. Tomatoes are rich sources of lycopene, which can help protect your cells from damage and potentially reduce the risk of some diseases. On top of that, the vegetables used in this soup provide a wide range of vitamins and minerals essential for good health.

The next time you crave something comforting yet nutritious, try making Italian Tomato Soup at home. It’s simple to prepare, tastes divine, and will keep your family coming back for more!