Cook with TES Recipe Newsletter (2024)

“Indulge in the comforting warmth of classic tomato soup, a timeless and hearty favorite.” Pair this simple soup with your favorite cracker or biscuits.”

Ingredients

Bringing you the warmth and comfort of a homemade classic: Tomato Soup. This simple yet satisfying dish is perfect for any season, offering a taste of nostalgia with every spoonful.

Ingredients

• Ripe tomatoes: 6 large, diced
• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Vegetable or chicken broth: 4 cups
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt: to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper: to taste
• Dried basil: 1 teaspoon
• Heavy cream: ½ cup (optional, for creaminess)
• Fresh basil leaves: for garnish

Instructions

• Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

• Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

• Season: Add salt, pepper, dried basil, and sugar (if using). Stir well. The sugar helps to cut the acidity of the tomatoes, but it’s optional.

• Simmer: Let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

• Blend the Soup: For a smooth texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, let the soup cool slightly and carefully blend in batches using a regular blender.

• Add Cream (Optional): If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream after blending.

• Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot, with a side of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.

Pro Tips:

• For a richer flavor, roast the tomatoes in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil before adding them to the pot.
• If fresh tomatoes aren’t in season, you can use canned whole tomatoes.
• This soup freezes well, so you can make a big batch and store it for a quick meal later.

There you have it – a classic tomato soup recipe that’s both easy to make and deliciously comforting. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a soothing starter for your next dinner party. Enjoy this heartwarming classic!

What You Will Get

When you make this classic tomato soup recipe, here’s what you can expect.

• Rich and Robust Flavor: The combination of ripe tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and onions, along with the herbs, creates a deeply flavorful soup. If you opt for the roasted tomato version, you’ll enjoy an additional layer of smokiness and depth.

• Comforting and Nourishing Meal: Tomato soup is known for its comforting qualities. This recipe, with its wholesome ingredients, not only warms you up but also provides a nourishing meal, rich in vitamins and antioxidants from the tomatoes and other vegetables.

• Customizable to Taste: Whether you prefer your soup creamy, chunky, spicy, or herby, this recipe is highly adaptable. You can adjust the flavors and ingredients to suit your palate, ensuring a satisfying experience with every spoonful.

• Healthy and Wholesome: By focusing on fresh, whole ingredients, this version of tomato soup is a healthier alternative to processed or canned versions. It’s free from artificial preservatives and additives, making it a great choice for those seeking clean eating options.

• Perfect for Various Dietary Needs: The recipe can be easily modified to fit different dietary requirements. It can be made vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free, making it inclusive for people with various dietary preferences or restrictions.

• Appealing to All Ages: Tomato soup is a classic dish loved by many, regardless of age. Its smooth texture and familiar taste make it appealing to both children and adults, making it a great family meal option.

• Convenient and Time-Saving: This recipe is straightforward and can be prepared with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weekdays, and the soup can be made in batches and stored for later, saving time and effort in meal preparation.

This classic tomato soup recipe promises a delightful culinary experience – it’s flavorful, versatile, comforting, and healthy. It’s a dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also contributes positively to your overall wellbeing.

Some Classic History

As for the origins of tomato soup, it’s a bit complex. Tomato soup itself has evolved over centuries, with its roots traceable back to the basic broths of ancient history. However, the tomato-based version as we know it today likely originated in Europe, particularly after the tomato was brought from the Americas in the 16th century. Tomatoes were initially believed to be poisonous in many parts of Europe but eventually became a staple in European cuisine.

The history of tomato soup in the United States is particularly tied to the development of canned foods. One pivotal moment was the introduction of condensed tomato soup by Joseph Campbell’s company (later known as the Campbell Soup Company) in 1897. This innovation greatly contributed to the popularity of tomato soup, as it made the dish easily accessible and convenient for a wide audience.

Campbell’s tomato soup became a classic American recipe due to its convenience, affordability, and comforting taste. It was easily adaptable for home cooking, could be stored for long periods, and became a staple during the Great Depression due to its cost-effectiveness. Additionally, its iconic pairing with grilled cheese sandwiches cemented its status in American comfort food cuisine.

In conclusion, while the exact origins of tomato soup are hard to pinpoint, its evolution into a classic American dish is largely attributed to the industrial and culinary advancements of the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly by companies like Campbell’s in the U.S. This soup is considered a classic due to its rich history, cultural significance, and its embodiment of comfort food in American cuisine.

Click image to go to Pinterest.

Food 4 Thought

The shift towards canned and boxed foods in the post-World War II era can be attributed to several key factors.

• Technological Advancements: During World War II, advancements were made in food preservation and packaging to supply troops with reliable, non-perishable food. These technologies, including improved canning methods and the development of materials suitable for boxed foods, transitioned into civilian use after the war.

• Economic Factors: Post-war, the United States experienced economic growth and rising incomes. This led to increased consumer spending, including on convenient food products that promised to save time. The booming economy also meant more women entering the workforce, which increased the demand for quick and easy meal solutions.

• Cultural Shifts: The post-war period saw a significant shift in American lifestyles. There was a growing emphasis on convenience and efficiency, reflecting the era’s optimistic view of technological progress. Canned and boxed foods fit perfectly into this ethos, offering a modern alternative to traditional cooking.

• Suburbanization: The post-war housing boom, particularly the rise of suburban living, played a role too. Supermarkets became more common in these new suburban areas, and they stocked an array of canned and boxed foods that were easy to transport and store, catering to the needs of suburban families.

• Advertising and Consumer Culture: Aggressive marketing campaigns post-WWII played a huge role in popularizing canned and boxed foods. These products were often advertised as not just convenient but also as modern, sophisticated, and even healthier due to their standardized production processes.

• Government Policies and Support: The U.S. government also played a role, particularly through its support of agricultural practices and food production methods that favored the mass production of certain crops like corn and wheat, which became key ingredients in many processed foods.

In summary, the rise of canned and boxed foods after World War II was a confluence of technological, economic, cultural, and governmental factors. It reflected a broader transformation in American society towards convenience, efficiency, and modernity.

Insite

As a passionate food enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of science and history in the culinary world. It’s a journey that takes us through time and across cultures, revealing how the foods we eat today have been shaped by countless innovations and traditions. This exploration is not just about tantalizing our taste buds; it’s about understanding the roots of our meals, the ingredients that compose them, and the methods that transform them into the dishes we love.

My curiosity doesn’t stop at just appreciating these foods – I’m on a mission to delve deeper. I’m particularly intrigued by the evolution of boxed and canned foods, which have become staples in kitchens worldwide. These convenience foods, born out of necessity and innovation, have their own unique histories and science behind them. However, while they’ve made cooking more accessible, they often come at a cost to nutritional value and taste.

That’s where the challenge lies, and it’s one I’m eager to take on. My goal is to deconstruct these processed foods and re-imagine them as recipes that are not only heart-healthy but also heartwarming. It’s about stripping away the unnecessary preservatives and additives to reveal wholesome, nourishing meals that still resonate with the convenience and comfort we’ve come to love.

This blog is a testament to that journey of learning, change, and implementation. It’s a space where we’ll rediscover the joy of cooking from scratch, using fresh, whole ingredients. We’ll explore how to replicate the flavors of our favorite canned soups, boxed sides, and ready-made meals in ways that are better for our health and just as satisfying to our palates.

But it’s not just about the food itself – it’s about the stories behind each dish. We’ll dive into the history of these recipes, understand the science that makes them work, and maybe even uncover a few forgotten culinary gems along the way.

Variations

• Fresh Tomato Soup
  • Replace canned tomatoes with fresh, ripe tomatoes. Blanch them first to remove the skins, then chop and use in the recipe.
  • You can roast the tomatoes beforehand for a deeper flavor. Just halve them, drizzle with olive oil, and roast until caramelized.

• Vegetable-Loaded Tomato Soup
  • Add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or celery. Sauté them with the onions for added nutrition and flavor.
  • For a chunkier texture, don’t blend the soup completely, or add chopped, sautéed vegetables after blending.

• Herb-Infused Tomato Soup
  • Add fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme while simmering the soup. They impart a fresh and aromatic flavor.
  • A bay leaf added during cooking can also enhance the flavor.

• Creamy Dairy-Free Tomato Soup
  • Instead of heavy cream, use coconut milk or almond cream for a dairy-free version. This adds a creamy texture without dairy products.

• Spicy Tomato Soup
  • Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños while cooking to introduce a spicy kick.
  • For a smoky flavor, include a bit of smoked paprika.

• Protein-Enriched Tomato Soup
  • Stir in cooked white beans or lentils to add protein and make the soup more filling.
  • Garnish with a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra protein and creaminess.

• Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper Soup
  • Blend roasted red peppers into the soup for a different flavor profile.
  • This variation is especially flavorful with a hint of smoked paprika.

By using whole, fresh ingredients and experimenting with herbs, spices, and additional vegetables, you can create a variety of healthy and delicious versions of the classic tomato soup without relying on canned foods. Each variation offers a unique flavor profile and nutritional benefits, making the soup versatile and adaptable to different dietary preferences and needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
• Yes, canned tomatoes can be a great substitute for fresh tomatoes, especially if they’re out of season. Choose whole, peeled tomatoes for the best flavor.

• How can I make this soup creamier?
  • To make the soup creamier, you can add heavy cream, coconut milk, or almond milk at the end of cooking. Start with a small amount and adjust to your liking.

• Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
  • Yes, this tomato soup freezes well. Cool it completely and store it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
  • Absolutely! Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Blend as usual after cooking.

• What can I serve with tomato soup?
  • Classic pairings include grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or a green salad. For a lighter option, try serving it with zucchini noodles or roasted vegetables.

• How can I add protein to this soup?
  • Stir in cooked white beans, lentils, or shredded chicken to add protein to the soup. This can make it a more filling meal.

• What if the soup is too acidic?
  • If the soup tastes too acidic, a pinch of sugar can help balance it out. Alternatively, a bit of baking soda can neutralize excess acidity.

• Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
  • Yes, you can use dried basil. The general rule of thumb is to use one-third the amount of dried herb to fresh. So, if the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of fresh basil, use ⅓ teaspoon of dried basil.

• Is this soup vegan/gluten-free?
  • The basic recipe is vegan and gluten-free, as long as you ensure that all the individual ingredients (like broth) meet these criteria.

• Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
  • Certainly! Feel free to add carrots, celery, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

Recipe Narrative!

As a young girl growing up in Los Angeles, my love for classic tomato soup stood out in my family. My grandmother, not one to make it from scratch, would often open a can of Campbell’s during the short winter months. These moments, though simple, were special to me. The warmth of the soup coupled with the mild LA winters, creating a cozy atmosphere that I cherished.

However, it was during my days in the Bay Area where I truly indulged in this comfort food. The Bay Area’s weather, different and milder, provided the perfect backdrop for enjoying those lovely warm cans of soup more frequently. Those experiences are etched in my memory, reminding me of the simplicity and joy found in a bowl of any kind of soup.

Fast forward to today, and I’m now sharing my own version of this beloved recipe with my grandchildren. It’s a recipe that has evolved from those canned beginnings to a more wholesome, homemade version.

Experience the delight of this homemade version, closely mirroring my own special recipe. It’s a dish I’ve mastered to be both quick and easy, perfect for those hectic weeknights. Keep an eye out for my unique take on this comforting, warm Classic Tomato Soup coming soon.

Happy Cooking!