Description
Barefoot Contessa’s cream of fresh tomato soup delivers rich Mediterranean flavors with garden-fresh ingredients. Silky smooth and comforting, this classic recipe invites you to savor summer’s most delightful tomato harvest in one delectable bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.8 kg (64 oz) vine-ripened tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 700 ml (23.7 fluid ounces) chicken stock
- 1½ cups (225 g) chopped red onions
- 2 carrots, unpeeled and chopped
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) tomato purée
- 1½ teaspoons caster sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) sea salt
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) good olive oil
Finishing Ingredients:
- 180 ml (6 fluid ounces) double cream
- Croutons, to serve (optional)
- Basil leaves, finely sliced (julienned), for garnish
Instructions
- In a spacious, sturdy pot, warm the olive oil over moderate heat. Introduce diced onions and julienned carrots, allowing them to soften and caramelize gently for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Incorporate minced garlic and sauté for an additional 60 seconds until fragrant, releasing its aromatic essence into the cooking vegetables.
- Pour in chopped tomatoes, granulated sugar, tomato paste, fresh basil leaves, chicken broth (473 milliliters / 16 fluid ounces), kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Thoroughly mix the ingredients, ensuring even distribution.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, reducing heat to low. Allow the soup to cook uncovered for 35-40 minutes, letting the flavors meld and tomatoes break down completely.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in heavy cream (240 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces), creating a rich, smooth texture.
- Using an immersion blender or standard blender, carefully purée the soup until silky and uniform. If using a standard blender, work in batches and ensure the lid is secured with a towel to prevent hot liquid splashing.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Ladle the soup into warmed serving bowls. Garnish with thinly sliced fresh basil and optional crispy croutons for added texture and visual appeal.
Notes
- Harvest peak-season tomatoes bursting with sun-ripened sweetness for maximum flavor depth.
- Transform vegetables into flavor powerhouses through slow, caramelizing sauté techniques that unlock natural sugars.
- Control soup consistency by experimenting with blending methods, from silky smooth to rustic chunky textures.
- Incorporate cream gently, creating a luxurious silken finish without risking unwanted separation.
- Elevate final taste profile through strategic seasoning, allowing individual ingredients to sing harmoniously.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg