Tomato Soup

Tomato Soup is a classic and comforting dish that celebrates the vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes and aromatic onions. This recipe offers a straightforward way to create a hearty and satisfying soup that’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day or as a comforting addition to any meal. Whether you’re using canned tomatoes or fresh ones, the result is a delightful and flavorful soup that’s sure to please. By browning onions in butter and then simmering them with tomatoes, water, and a few select seasonings, you’ll create a rich and flavorful base. The addition of vermicelli, a type of pasta, adds a pleasing texture to the soup. This soup is incredibly versatile, and you can easily customize it by using ingredients like sago, tapioca, or dried julienne instead of vermicelli. Whichever variation you choose, you’re in for a delicious and heartwarming bowl of tomato goodness.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tin of tomatoes or 2 lbs. of fresh tomatoes
• 1 large Spanish onion or 1/2 lb. of smaller onions
• 2 oz. of butter
• Pepper and salt to taste
• 1 oz. of vermicelli (or sago, tapioca, or dried julienne as alternatives)
• 2 bay leaves

PREPARATIONS:

1. If using fresh tomatoes, peel and slice them. If using canned tomatoes, drain them.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Peel the onions and chop them roughly.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onions to the melted butter and brown them until they become fragrant and slightly caramelized.
4. Once the onions are browned, add the tomatoes (sliced fresh ones or canned) and 3 pints of water to the saucepan.
5. Allow the mixture to simmer together for approximately 30 minutes.
6. After simmering, carefully drain the liquid through a sieve, being sure not to rub any solid bits through the sieve. Return the liquid to the saucepan.
7. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust the seasoning to your preference.
8. Add the vermicelli (or your chosen alternative) to the soup.
9. Continue to simmer the soup until the vermicelli (or alternative) is soft, which typically takes about 10 minutes.
10. Remove the bay leaves from the soup before serving.

YIELD:

• This recipe should yield a generous portion of Tomato Soup suitable for serving multiple portions.

SERVING:

1. Serve the Tomato Soup hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of ripe tomatoes, caramelized onions, and aromatic seasonings.

TIPS:

• Customize the soup to your taste by adding herbs like basil or oregano for an extra layer of flavor.
• Consider garnishing the soup with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added richness and depth.
• Pair the Tomato Soup with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a satisfying and complete meal.

In conclusion, Tomato Soup is a timeless and comforting dish that celebrates the vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes and the aromatic goodness of onions. This recipe demonstrates how simple ingredients can be transformed into a hearty and satisfying soup that’s perfect for warming up on a cold day or as a comforting addition to any meal.

The appeal of Tomato Soup begins with the preparation of onions, which are browned to create a rich and fragrant base for the soup. Whether you’re using fresh tomatoes or canned ones, they are simmered together with water and a few select seasonings, infusing the soup with a robust tomato flavor.

The addition of vermicelli, a type of pasta, adds a delightful texture to the soup. However, this recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to substitute vermicelli with ingredients like sago, tapioca, or dried julienne, depending on your preference and what you have on hand.

Tomato Soup is a dish that beautifully combines simplicity with comfort. It’s a testament to how a few basic ingredients can come together to create a soup that’s both flavorful and satisfying.

Whether you serve it as a comforting starter, a light lunch, or a soothing dinner, Tomato Soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of ripe tomatoes, caramelized onions, and aromatic seasonings creates a heartwarming bowl of goodness that’s perfect for any occasion.

So, embrace the simplicity and comfort of Tomato Soup, and savor each spoonful of this classic and delicious dish. It’s a testament to the timeless appeal of homemade soup, made with love and care.