Tomato soup is one of those comfort foods that can transport you back to childhood. Whether you’re dipping a grilled cheese sandwich into it or just sipping it straight from the bowl, it’s the ultimate cozy food. Among the many variations, Jason’s Deli’s tomato soup stands out for its creamy texture, balanced flavors, and rich taste. This homemade version of the soup brings together a perfect blend of tomatoes, spices, and cream, making it a favorite for many. If you’ve ever had it and thought, “I wish I could make this at home”, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving into how you can recreate this flavorful dish in your own kitchen.
But don’t worry-we won’t just hand over the recipe and leave you to figure out the rest. We’re going to break down everything you need to know about making Jason’s Deli tomato soup, from ingredients to tips, variations, and much more. So, let’s get started!
Jason’s Deli Tomato Soup Recipe
Jason’s Deli tomato soup is famous for its velvety, creamy consistency and its slightly tangy, yet rich flavor profile. It’s not too sweet, not too acidic-just the perfect balance of tomatoes, herbs, and creaminess that makes you crave more after every spoonful. Making this soup at home might seem intimidating at first, but trust me, it’s easier than you think. Let’s break down the recipe:
Ingredients Needed
To make Jason’s Deli-style tomato soup at home, you’ll need a selection of basic ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store. Here’s the shopping list:
- Fresh tomatoes (or canned tomatoes): About 4-5 medium-sized tomatoes, or 2 cans (14.5 oz each) of whole peeled tomatoes.
- Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped.
- Garlic: 3-4 cloves of fresh garlic, minced.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: 4 cups. (Chicken broth will give it a deeper flavor, but vegetable broth is a great option for a vegetarian version.)
- Heavy cream: 1 cup (for the perfect creamy texture).
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, to sauté the onions and garlic.
- Sugar: 1-2 teaspoons, depending on how sweet you like your soup.
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon for roasting the tomatoes (if using fresh tomatoes).
- Salt & pepper: To taste.
- Dried basil: 1 teaspoon (or 1 tablespoon of fresh basil).
- Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon.
- Bay leaves: 1-2 leaves for extra depth in flavor.
- Red pepper flakes: A pinch for a hint of heat (optional).
Cooking Instructions
Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s dive into the cooking process. This soup is surprisingly simple, and most of the time is spent simmering and blending. Follow these steps for the best results:
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Prepare The Tomatoes
- If using fresh tomatoes, start by roasting them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the tomatoes in half, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for about 25 minutes, or until they’re soft and slightly charred.
- If using canned tomatoes, skip the roasting step.
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Sauté The Onions And Garlic
- While the tomatoes roast (or if using canned tomatoes), melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they’re soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to let it burn.
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Add The Broth And Seasoning
- Once the onions and garlic are fragrant, add your vegetable or chicken broth to the pot. Stir in the dried basil, thyme, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring everything to a simmer.
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Blend The Soup
- Once the roasted tomatoes are done (or if you’re using canned tomatoes), add them to the pot with the broth. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors combine.
- Remove the bay leaves, then use an immersion blender (or a regular blender in batches) to blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy.
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Add Cream And Adjust Seasoning
- Once the soup is smooth, stir in the heavy cream to give it that luxurious, velvety texture. Taste the soup, and adjust the seasoning if needed-add a little more salt, pepper, or sugar if necessary to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
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Serve And Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with fresh basil or a drizzle of cream on top for extra elegance. Pair with a grilled cheese sandwich or a simple baguette to complete the meal.
Ingredient Insights
- Tomatoes: Whether you choose fresh or canned tomatoes depends on your preference and the season. Fresh tomatoes add a brighter, slightly tangier flavor, while canned tomatoes offer a more concentrated, deep tomato taste. In the off-season, canned tomatoes can provide consistency and sweetness year-round.
- Heavy cream: The heavy cream is what gives this tomato soup its signature rich and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you could substitute half-and-half or even milk, but the result won’t be quite as indulgent.
- Broth: The type of broth you use will dramatically impact the flavor of your soup. Chicken broth adds a more savory, meaty undertone, while vegetable broth keeps it light and fresh. It’s all about the flavor profile you’re aiming for.
- Herbs and spices: The combination of basil, thyme, and bay leaves offers a beautiful aroma and complexity to the soup. The red pepper flakes give it a touch of heat, but you can omit them if you prefer a milder soup.
Expert Tips
- Roasting tomatoes: If you’re using fresh tomatoes, roasting them before adding them to the soup enhances their sweetness and brings out deeper, richer flavors. The slight caramelization from roasting adds a complexity that you won’t get from simply boiling the tomatoes.
- Blending: If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can blend the soup in batches using a regular blender. Just be careful, as the soup will be hot. Let it cool slightly before blending, and don’t fill the blender all the way to avoid splatters.
- Adjust texture: If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can blend the soup less thoroughly, or leave some of the roasted tomatoes unblended for texture. This adds a rustic feel to the dish.
- Balance acidity: If your soup ends up a bit too acidic, a little sugar can help balance it out. Start with 1 teaspoon and taste before adding more.
- Make ahead: This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Recipe Variations
While the classic tomato soup is always a hit, you can easily tweak the recipe to make it your own. Here are some variations you might want to try:
- Spicy Tomato Soup: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to kick up the heat. You could even stir in a small chopped jalapeño while sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup: For a deeper, more robust flavor, roast a bulb of garlic alongside the tomatoes and add it to the soup while blending.
- Herb-Infused Tomato Soup: Experiment with different herbs like oregano or rosemary to add new layers of flavor. You could also try using fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant taste.
- Vegan Version: Skip the butter and cream and opt for olive oil and coconut milk instead. You’ll still get that rich, creamy texture without the dairy.
Final Words
Making Jason’s Deli tomato soup at home means you get to enjoy a comforting, restaurant-quality dish anytime you want. With a little effort, you can create a soup that’s so much better than canned options, bursting with fresh ingredients and flavors. This recipe is all about simplicity with a dash of indulgence-so you’ll feel good about what’s in your bowl, without sacrificing taste.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are In Jason’s Deli Tomato Soup Recipe?
The key ingredients for Jason’s Deli tomato soup typically include tomatoes, onions, garlic, cream, butter, flour, chicken broth, sugar, salt, pepper, and seasonings such as basil or thyme. The soup is also often made with a base of tomato paste or tomato puree.
Is Jason’s Deli Tomato Soup Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, the tomato soup is usually vegetarian, though it may contain chicken broth. To make it fully vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Can I Make Jason’s Deli Tomato Soup Recipe Vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version of Jason’s Deli tomato soup by using plant-based butter, non-dairy cream or coconut milk, and substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth.
What Type Of Tomatoes Are Best For Jason’s Deli Tomato Soup Recipe?
The best tomatoes for making tomato soup are ripe Roma or plum tomatoes, as they have a thick flesh and are less watery. Alternatively, you can use canned whole peeled tomatoes for consistency and convenience.
How Can I Make Jason’s Deli Tomato Soup Recipe Spicy?
To add spice to the soup, you can incorporate ingredients like red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or finely chopped jalapeños. Adjust the amount based on your desired level of heat.
Can I Freeze Jason’s Deli Tomato Soup?
Yes, Jason’s Deli tomato soup can be frozen. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. When reheating, it may be necessary to stir in a little more broth or cream to restore the consistency.
What Do I Serve With Jason’s Deli Tomato Soup?
Jason’s Deli tomato soup pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches, croutons, fresh herbs like basil, or a side salad. For a heartier meal, you can also serve it with a slice of sourdough bread.
How Do I Thicken Jason’s Deli Tomato Soup?
To thicken the soup, you can use a roux (a mixture of flour and butter), reduce the soup over low heat to allow it to concentrate, or add a small amount of heavy cream or a potato puree to enhance the texture.
Can I Make Jason’s Deli Tomato Soup Recipe Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can make Jason’s Deli tomato soup ahead of time. In fact, the flavors often improve as it sits. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, and reheat before serving.
Is Jason’s Deli Tomato Soup Recipe Gluten-free?
The traditional recipe is not gluten-free due to the use of flour in the roux for thickening. To make it gluten-free, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.