Tomato Soup

Tomato Soup is a classic and comforting dish that showcases the vibrant and fresh flavors of tomatoes. This recipe is perfect for utilizing ripe tomatoes from your garden or when you have access to flavorful, in-season tomatoes. With a few simple ingredients and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy the taste of homemade tomato soup with minimal effort.

INGREDIENTS:

• 5 cups (1.2 L) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon (16 g) no-salt-added tomato paste
• 4 cups (950 ml) low-sodium vegetable broth
• ½ cup (80 g) minced onion
• 1 tablespoon (10 g) minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon basil
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

PREPARATION:

1. In a slow cooker, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, low-sodium vegetable broth, minced onion, minced garlic, basil, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are mixed together.
2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. Stir the soup once during the cooking process to ensure even cooking and to help the flavors meld together.
3. Once the soup is cooked, give it a taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You can add more basil, black pepper, or salt to suit your preferences.

YIELD: 6 servings

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• 287 g water
• 62 calories (19% from fat, 28% from protein, 53% from carbs)
• 5 g protein
• 1 g total fat
• 0 g saturated fat
• 0 g monounsaturated fat
• 0 g polyunsaturated fat
• 9 g carbs
• 2 g fiber
• 1 g sugar
• 88 mg phosphorus
• 64 mg calcium
• 1 mg iron
• 108 mg sodium
• 473 mg potassium
• 833 IU vitamin A
• 2 mg ATE vitamin E
• 34 mg vitamin C
• 0 mg cholesterol

Tomato Soup is a timeless classic that captures the essence of fresh tomatoes in every spoonful. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, this recipe allows the natural sweetness and tanginess of ripe tomatoes to shine. Whether you have an abundant tomato harvest from your garden or access to delicious in-season tomatoes, this homemade tomato soup will delight your taste buds.

Preparing the soup is effortless with the help of a slow cooker. By combining diced tomatoes, tomato paste, low-sodium vegetable broth, minced onion, minced garlic, basil, and black pepper in the slow cooker, you create a rich and aromatic base. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and intensify, resulting in a deeply satisfying tomato soup.

Once the soup has cooked for 6 to 8 hours on low heat, give it a gentle stir to ensure all the ingredients are well combined. At this point, you can taste the soup and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Feel free to add more basil for an herbal note, black pepper for a touch of heat, or salt if desired.

The finished Tomato Soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. It is low in calories and fat, making it a light and guilt-free option. The soup is rich in vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin A, providing a boost of essential nutrients. With the added fiber from the tomatoes, this soup is not only satisfying but also contributes to a healthy and balanced diet.

Serve the Tomato Soup as a comforting and warming meal on its own or pair it with a side of crusty bread, a grilled cheese sandwich, or a fresh green salad for a more substantial meal. You can also garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an added touch of freshness and visual appeal.

In conclusion, Tomato Soup is a delightful way to enjoy the goodness of ripe tomatoes. Whether you make it during the summer when your garden is brimming with tomatoes or at any time of the year with quality store-bought tomatoes, this recipe captures the essence of fresh tomatoes in a bowl. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, this homemade tomato soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.