Incredibly Simple Tomato Soup with Just 4 Ingredients
Incredibly Simple Tomato Soup with Just 4 Ingredients
Effortless Homemade Tomato Soup: A Rich and Flavorful Recipe
As the weather turns cooler, treat yourself to a comforting bowl of homemade tomato soup! This recipe is a simplified take on the classic methods of Italian culinary expert Marcella Hazan, with one extra ingredient to enhance its deliciousness. Made with just a few basic items, this soup boasts a surprisingly deep and smooth flavor that’s perfect for a quick breakfast, light lunch, or even a satisfying snack. Its simplicity makes it an absolute delight to make at home!
Ingredients- 1 can (425g) canned tomatoes: Use crushed or whole peeled tomatoes of good quality.
- 2 fresh ripe tomatoes: Choose ripe, sweet tomatoes for the best flavor.
- 2 Tbsp butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and a silky texture.
- 1/2 medium onion: Finely chopped, it provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic base.
- 3-4 celery stalks: Washed and trimmed, these add a delicate aroma and a hint of texture.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing all your ingredients and carefully trimming the vegetables. Ensuring your fresh produce is clean and ready is the first step to a delicious soup.
Step 2
Score the bottom of the two fresh tomatoes with a cross-shaped cut using a sharp knife. Immerse them in boiling water for about 3 minutes until the skins start to loosen. Carefully remove the tomatoes from the boiling water and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, peel the skins off, starting from the scored part. This step ensures a wonderfully smooth soup texture.
Step 3
While the fresh tomatoes are cooling, finely chop half of a medium onion. Chopping the onion finely will help its sweetness and flavor meld seamlessly into the entire soup.
Step 4
Wash the celery stalks thoroughly. Use a vegetable peeler or the back of a knife to gently scrape off any tough strings from the outer surface of the stalks; this will make them much more pleasant to eat. Once the strings are removed, roughly chop the celery into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5
With all your vegetables prepped, cut the butter into small pieces and add it to a heated pot over medium-low heat. Allow the butter to melt slowly, releasing its fragrant aroma.
Step 6
Once the butter has completely melted and is shimmering, add all the prepared vegetables – the chopped onion and celery – into the pot. Stir them gently to coat with the melted butter.
Step 7
After the vegetables have softened slightly, pour in the canned tomatoes (425g) and 1.5 cups (approximately 300ml) of water. If you have leftover chicken or vegetable broth, using that instead of water will add an even deeper layer of flavor. (Optional)
Step 8
Bring the mixture in the pot to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, season with salt to your taste, and let the soup cook uncovered for about 40 minutes. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to break down, creating a rich broth.
Step 9
About 30 minutes into the simmering time, use an immersion blender (hand blender) to purée the ingredients directly in the pot until smooth. If using a countertop blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before transferring and blending in batches, being careful with hot liquids.
Step 10
Your incredibly simple yet rich tomato soup, made with just four ingredients, is now ready! Enjoy it as a delightful breakfast, perhaps with some crusty baguette bread to dip, or as a light and satisfying meal any time of day. We hope you savor every warm and delicious spoonful!
