Tomato soup is one of those comfort foods that takes us back to simpler times. There’s something about a bowl of rich, creamy tomato soup that just feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. While many of us may reach for a can of tomato soup when we’re in a rush, there’s a whole other level of deliciousness when you make it from scratch.
Ina Garten, known for her classic yet elegant recipes, has a Tomato Soup recipe that delivers that perfect balance of tangy, rich, and slightly sweet flavors. It’s simple, straightforward, and so satisfying. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch or pairing it with a grilled cheese for a cozy dinner, Ina’s Tomato Soup will surely become a staple in your kitchen. So let’s dive into this hearty and delicious dish that has the power to elevate the humble tomato soup to gourmet status!
Ina Garten Tomato Soup Recipe
This recipe is an example of how a few high-quality ingredients, when combined with the right techniques, can result in something extraordinary. Ina’s Tomato Soup has a velvety texture, enhanced by a hint of sweetness and a depth of flavor that comes from slow-cooked tomatoes. It’s perfect for both a weeknight meal or a special treat when you want to impress your guests.
Here’s how you can create this crowd-pleasing dish:
Ingredients Needed
To make Ina Garten’s Tomato Soup, you won’t need an overly complicated list of ingredients. The key to a good tomato soup is fresh, ripe tomatoes, rich broth, and a few aromatic vegetables to deepen the flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Olive oil: Adds richness and a mild fruity flavor.
- Yellow onions: Provides a gentle sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Carrots: These bring a subtle sweetness and earthiness to the soup.
- Celery: Adds aromatic depth and a slight herbal flavor.
- Garlic: For that essential punch of flavor that makes everything come together.
- Canned whole tomatoes: The star of the soup, contributing both acidity and sweetness.
- Tomato paste: To intensify the tomato flavor and add richness.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: This is your liquid base, adding depth and body to the soup.
- Heavy cream: This is the magic ingredient for a smooth, silky texture.
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning, to bring out all the flavors.
- Fresh basil: Optional, but adds a fresh and aromatic kick to the final dish.
- Croutons (optional): If you like a little crunch, these are a great garnish.
Cooking Instructions
The method for making Ina Garten’s Tomato Soup is fairly straightforward. It’s all about slow-cooking the vegetables to bring out their natural sweetness, then blending everything together into a smooth, creamy base.
Here’s the step-by-step process:
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Sauté The Vegetables
- Heat about 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions turn translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add The Tomatoes
- Stir in the canned tomatoes and tomato paste. Let the tomatoes cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help release their natural sweetness.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
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Simmer
- Pour in your vegetable or chicken broth, bring the mixture to a simmer, and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 30 minutes. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together and intensify.
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Blend The Soup
- Once the soup has simmered, use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer it in batches to a regular blender, but be careful when blending hot liquids.
- After blending, return the soup to the pot if necessary.
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Finish With Cream
- Stir in the heavy cream and continue cooking over low heat for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, croutons, or a swirl of additional cream if desired.
Ingredient Insights
Now that we’ve covered the basic ingredients, let’s take a deeper look at what makes each one essential to the flavor profile of Ina Garten’s Tomato Soup:
- Olive oil: This isn’t just for sautéing. It adds a subtle richness that rounds out the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the soup’s depth.
- Onions, carrots, and celery: Known as the “mirepoix”, this trio is the base for many soups, stews, and sauces in French cooking. The sweetness of the onions and carrots, combined with the aromatic quality of celery, forms a balanced foundation.
- Canned whole tomatoes: Using whole tomatoes gives you more control over the texture, compared to pre-chopped tomatoes, which can sometimes be watery. The tomatoes are rich in natural sugars and acids that give the soup its characteristic tang.
- Tomato paste: This is the secret to intensifying the tomato flavor. It adds a concentrated, almost caramelized tomato essence that turns your soup from ’good’ to “great”.
- Heavy cream: The cream adds a luxurious texture and balances the natural acidity of the tomatoes, giving you that smooth, velvety mouthfeel.
- Fresh basil: A burst of fresh basil at the end brightens up the soup and cuts through the richness with a refreshing herbal note.
Expert Tips
To take your tomato soup to the next level, here are some expert tips:
- Use fresh tomatoes: While canned tomatoes work just fine, using ripe, fresh tomatoes in season can make your soup even more flavorful. You can roast them beforehand for an extra depth of flavor.
- Roast the garlic: If you want a sweeter, more mellow garlic flavor, consider roasting your garlic cloves before adding them to the soup. It adds a smoky, caramelized taste that’s incredible in tomato soup.
- Don’t skip the blending: For the perfect smooth texture, blending is key. An immersion blender is the easiest tool, but a stand blender works just as well if you’re careful with hot liquids.
- Customize the texture: If you like your soup with a little more body, you can leave some of the soup unblended for a chunkier texture. Just take out a portion before blending.
- Make it ahead: Tomato soup actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to marry. Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for a few days, or freeze it for later.
Recipe Variations
While Ina’s Tomato Soup is perfection in its original form, there are several ways you can mix things up depending on your taste preferences:
- Spicy Tomato Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño pepper to the sautéed vegetables for a little heat.
- Smoked Tomato Soup: Add smoked paprika or a small amount of liquid smoke for a deep, smoky flavor.
- Herb-Infused Tomato Soup: Infuse the soup with fresh thyme, oregano, or rosemary while simmering for a more aromatic experience.
- Vegan Tomato Soup: Swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream to make the soup dairy-free without sacrificing that creamy texture.
- Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons: For a fun twist, make small grilled cheese sandwiches, cut them into cubes, and use them as croutons to top the soup.
Final Words
Ina Garten’s Tomato Soup is not just a simple bowl of soup; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients, thoughtful cooking, and the joy of homemade meals. The combination of sautéed vegetables, rich tomatoes, and creamy texture makes this recipe a true standout. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy solo meal or making a batch for family and friends, this soup is guaranteed to bring comfort to any occasion.
FAQs
What Are The Main Ingredients In Ina Garten’s Tomato Soup Recipe?
The main ingredients in Ina Garten’s tomato soup recipe include tomatoes, onions, garlic, butter, olive oil, chicken stock, heavy cream, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and fresh basil.
Can I Use Canned Tomatoes For Ina Garten’s Tomato Soup Recipe?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes. Ina Garten suggests using high-quality canned tomatoes, such as San Marzano tomatoes, for the best flavor.
How Long Does It Take To Make Ina Garten’s Tomato Soup From Start To Finish?
It typically takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to make Ina Garten’s tomato soup, including prep and cooking time.
Can I Make Ina Garten’s Tomato Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, Ina Garten’s tomato soup can be made ahead of time. The soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for longer storage.
What Can I Serve With Ina Garten’s Tomato Soup?
Ina Garten’s tomato soup pairs beautifully with grilled cheese sandwiches, a fresh salad, or crusty bread for dipping.
Is Ina Garten’s Tomato Soup Recipe Suitable For Vegetarians?
Yes, the recipe is vegetarian-friendly as long as you use vegetable stock in place of chicken stock, and ensure the cream is plant-based if desired.
Can I Make Ina Garten’s Tomato Soup Vegan?
To make the soup vegan, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Does Ina Garten’s Tomato Soup Recipe Require A Blender?
Yes, after cooking the soup, Ina Garten recommends blending it using an immersion blender or a standard blender to create a smooth texture.
Can I Adjust The Seasoning In Ina Garten’s Tomato Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! You can adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier flavor.
Is Ina Garten’s Tomato Soup Recipe Rich And Creamy?
Yes, the soup has a rich and creamy texture due to the combination of heavy cream and butter, which gives it a velvety finish.