Tomato Soup with Bread and Tomatoes
Tomato soup is a classic comfort food that has been a beloved staple for generations. The combination of ripe, juicy tomatoes, savory broth, and warm, crusty bread creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both nourishing and deeply satisfying. This tomato soup recipe with bread and tomatoes is a delightful twist on the traditional, offering a delicious and versatile dish that is sure to please your palate.
Whether you’re seeking a cozy meal on a chilly day or a fresh and vibrant lunch option, this tomato soup recipe delivers. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s a dish that can be easily incorporated into your weekly meal rotation, providing a taste of homemade goodness that will have your family and friends coming back for more.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
This tomato soup with bread and tomatoes is a true crowd-pleaser, loved by both children and adults alike. The combination of velvety smooth soup, crunchy croutons, and juicy, fresh tomatoes creates a delightful texture contrast that elevates the overall dining experience. Plus, the recipe is incredibly accessible, with most of the ingredients being pantry or freezer staples, making it a breeze to whip up whenever the craving strikes.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. It can be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs, whether you’re looking for a dairy-free, low-carb, or protein-packed version. And the make-ahead possibilities make it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests, as you can prepare the soup in advance and simply reheat and assemble the final dish when ready to serve.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Tomato Soup with Bread and Tomatoes ❓
• 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 slices of crusty bread, cubed
• 1 cup of fresh cherry tomatoes, halved
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
The beauty of this tomato soup with bread and tomatoes is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of canned diced tomatoes, savory broth, and aromatic herbs creates the Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made tomato soup recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Tomato Soup with Bread and Tomatoes Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
• Step 3: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir in the dried basil and oregano, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
• Step 4: Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Step 5: Using an immersion blender (or carefully transfer the soup to a blender), blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
• Step 6: Add the cubed bread and fresh cherry tomatoes to the soup, gently stirring to combine.
• Step 7: Serve the tomato soup warm, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese (if desired).
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes
Compared to traditional Italian-style tomato soup, which can take up to 45 minutes to prepare, this tomato soup with bread and tomatoes saves you 10 minutes of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 620mg
These tomato soup recipes provide approximately 25% of your daily vitamin C requirements and 20% of your daily vitamin A needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Replace the bread cubes with roasted cauliflower florets or grilled chicken for a more keto-friendly alternative.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use a dairy-free milk alternative, such as unsweetened almond or oat milk, instead of the Parmesan cheese.
• Added protein: Stir in cooked lentils, chickpeas, or shredded chicken to boost the protein content.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the soup for an extra nutrient boost.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the tomato soup with bread and tomatoes.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh green salad or a Caesar salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Complement the soup with a crisp, chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea.
• For a cozy, family-style dinner, serve the tomato soup alongside grilled cheese sandwiches or a hearty Italian-inspired dish.
• Create an impressive appetizer platter by serving the soup in small shot glasses or espresso cups, topped with the bread cubes and fresh tomatoes.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not blending the soup thoroughly: For a truly creamy and velvety texture, it’s important to blend the soup until it’s completely smooth. An immersion blender works great, but you can also transfer the soup to a regular blender.
• Adding the bread too early: If the bread cubes are added too soon, they can become soggy and lose their crunchy texture. Wait until the end to stir in the bread for the best results.
• Forgetting to season properly: Tomatoes can be quite acidic, so be sure to taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
• Skipping the fresh tomatoes: The addition of fresh cherry tomatoes at the end adds a lovely burst of freshness and contrast to the velvety soup.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These tomato soup with bread and tomatoes retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the soup base (without the bread and fresh tomatoes) and allow it to cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat and add the bread and fresh tomatoes.
• Freezing baked: Allow the complete soup (with bread and tomatoes) to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to restore the desired texture.
• Reheating: When reheating the soup, do so over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it’s heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, being careful not to overcook the bread cubes.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the tomato soup ahead of time?
Yes, the tomato soup base can be made up to 4 days in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to reheat and assemble the final dish. When ready to serve, reheat the soup, then add the bread cubes and fresh tomatoes.
Can I substitute the canned diced tomatoes?
Absolutely! You can use fresh, ripe tomatoes instead of canned, or even a combination of both. If using fresh tomatoes, you may need to adjust the cooking time to allow the flavors to fully develop. You can also experiment with different tomato varieties, such as Roma or heirloom, to find the flavor profile you enjoy most.
Is this recipe suitable for dietary restrictions?
Yes, this tomato soup recipe can be easily adapted to accommodate various dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, simply omit the Parmesan cheese topping and use a non-dairy milk alternative. To make it low-carb, replace the bread cubes with roasted cauliflower or grilled chicken. You can also add extra protein by stirring in cooked lentils or chickpeas.
What if the soup turns out too thick or too thin?
If the soup is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a bit more broth, starting with 1/4 cup at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Conversely, if the soup is too thin, you can let it simmer for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate, or blend in a small amount of tomato paste to thicken it up.
Can I add any additional ingredients to the recipe?
Absolutely! This tomato soup recipe is highly versatile and can be customized to your liking. You can stir in cooked pasta, shredded chicken, or even some diced avocado for extra texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as oregano, thyme, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, to give the soup a unique twist.
Conclusion
These tomato soup with bread and tomatoes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch, they’re sure to impress with their velvety smooth texture and bright, fresh flavors. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this tomato soup with bread and tomatoes demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So, gather your loved ones, grab a spoon, and indulge in the comforting goodness of this delightful dish. Your taste buds are in for a real treat!
