Tomato soup-a classic comfort food that can warm you from the inside out. It’s the kind of dish that’s rich with memories, whether it’s paired with a grilled cheese sandwich on a chilly day or served as a starter to a hearty meal. While there are many ways to make tomato soup, Jamie Oliver’s version stands out for its simplicity, bold flavors, and use of fresh ingredients.
Oliver, renowned for his approach to making healthy, accessible meals, offers a recipe that is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare. What makes his recipe special is the balance of flavors. The sweetness of the tomatoes, the depth of herbs, and the creaminess all come together to create a soup that’s rich without being overly heavy.
In this post, we’ll walk through every step of Jamie Oliver’s tomato soup recipe-looking at the ingredients, the preparation, and even offering a few expert tips to make the dish your own. By the end, you’ll have a beautiful, delicious tomato soup that’s sure to impress.
Jamie Oliver Tomato Soup Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s tomato soup recipe is as straightforward as it is delicious. He believes in the power of quality ingredients, and this recipe is a perfect example. The soup is naturally vegan, with the richness of the tomatoes and seasonings providing all the comfort and depth you could want. Here’s a breakdown of the core recipe:
Ingredients Needed
- Olive oil – A few tablespoons to sauté the onions and garlic. It adds flavor and richness.
- 1 large onion – This forms the base of the soup’s flavor profile. It gets softened and caramelized, which brings out its natural sweetness.
- 2 cloves of garlic – Adds a subtle depth and a touch of zing.
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of ripe tomatoes – The star of the dish! The riper the tomatoes, the sweeter and more flavorful your soup will be.
- 1 small bunch of fresh basil – Basil complements tomatoes beautifully. Its aromatic notes elevate the overall taste.
- Vegetable stock – Helps to create a liquid base that’s rich but not overpowering.
- Salt & pepper – To season and balance the flavors.
- A dash of balsamic vinegar – Optional but recommended, it adds a touch of acidity and helps to bring out the tomato’s natural sweetness.
- A swirl of cream (optional) – For a creamy finish that makes the soup velvety and rich.
Cooking Instructions
Making Jamie Oliver’s tomato soup is a breeze, and here’s how to do it step by step:
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Prep The Ingredients
- Chop the onion and garlic finely.
- Cut the tomatoes into quarters to help them cook down quicker.
- Wash and roughly chop the basil leaves.
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Sauté The Base
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a generous glug of olive oil.
- Toss in the chopped onions and cook until they’re soft and golden (around 10 minutes).
- Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
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Cook The Tomatoes
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and cook them down for about 5 minutes. They should start breaking apart and releasing their juices.
- Add the vegetable stock to the tomatoes. If you like your soup a bit thicker, feel free to reduce the amount of stock.
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Simmer
- Bring the soup to a simmer, lower the heat, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the tomatoes to soften completely and infuse their juices into the stock.
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Blend The Soup
- Remove the soup from the heat. Use an immersion blender to blend everything until smooth and silky. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches.
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Add Final Touches
- Season the soup with salt and pepper, to taste.
- For an extra touch of flavor, stir in a dash of balsamic vinegar. This balances the soup with a subtle acidity.
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Serve
- Pour the soup into bowls and garnish with a few fresh basil leaves.
- If desired, drizzle a little cream over the top for added richness.
Ingredient Insights
Now, let’s dive into why each of these ingredients matters and what they bring to the table:
- Tomatoes: The foundation of any good tomato soup. Ripe, fresh tomatoes are packed with natural sweetness, acidity, and umami. The more flavorful your tomatoes are, the better your soup will taste. Jamie Oliver’s recipe emphasizes using fresh, ripe tomatoes rather than canned, which can often be more acidic and less vibrant.
- Basil: This herb brings a bright, aromatic lift to the soup. The natural oils in fresh basil help balance out the richness of the tomatoes, adding a hint of peppery freshness.
- Vegetable Stock: The stock is the backdrop of the soup. While you can use chicken stock or even water, vegetable stock gives the soup a deeper, more savory base, and it doesn’t overpower the natural flavors of the tomatoes.
- Balsamic Vinegar: The slight tanginess of balsamic vinegar adds a layer of complexity to the soup. It’s a secret weapon that enhances the sweetness of the tomatoes while rounding out the flavors.
- Olive Oil: Adds depth and richness to the soup. The fruity, slightly peppery flavor of good-quality olive oil enhances the overall taste and texture of the soup.
Expert Tips
- Use the best tomatoes possible: The better the tomatoes, the better the soup. If you’re making this in the summer, try to get heirloom varieties for an even more flavorful soup. For off-season tomatoes, look for those labeled ’vine-ripened’ at the store.
- Sauté the onions until they’re caramelized: Don’t rush this step! The caramelization of the onions brings out their natural sweetness and deepens the flavor of the soup. Take your time-about 10 minutes is ideal.
- Blending tips: If you like your soup super smooth, blend it in batches using a regular blender, or invest in an immersion blender for an easier process. You can even blend half the soup and leave the other half chunky for more texture.
- Make it ahead: Tomato soup actually tastes better the next day! The flavors have more time to meld together, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch and store it in the fridge for later.
Recipe Variations
While Jamie Oliver’s tomato soup is fantastic on its own, there are several ways you can switch things up to suit your taste:
- Roasted Tomato Soup: For an added depth of flavor, roast the tomatoes before adding them to the soup. Simply halve the tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil, and roast them at 400°F for 20-30 minutes until they’re caramelized and slightly charred. This method intensifies the tomato flavor.
- Add Veggies: You can sneak in other vegetables like carrots, celery, or red pepper for a more complex base. Just sauté them with the onions before adding the tomatoes.
- Spicy Tomato Soup: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or a finely chopped fresh chili pepper while sautéing the onions and garlic. You could also stir in a bit of smoked paprika for some smoky flavor.
- Tomato and Lentil Soup: Add red lentils for added texture and protein. They’ll cook quickly and blend into the soup, giving it an extra creamy consistency without the need for heavy cream.
- Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons: For a fun twist, make grilled cheese sandwiches and cut them into crouton-sized pieces to float on top of the soup. It’s like the ultimate comfort food combination!
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s tomato soup is simple, nourishing, and bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for a rainy day, a casual dinner, or a quick lunch. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create something truly special. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
FAQs
What Are The Key Ingredients In Jamie Oliver’s Tomato Soup Recipe?
The key ingredients include ripe tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, vegetable stock, basil, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. These ingredients come together to create a rich, flavorful base for the soup.
How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Tomato Soup?
The preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, while cooking takes around 40 minutes. Overall, you can expect to have this soup ready in about 50 minutes.
Can I Use Canned Tomatoes Instead Of Fresh Tomatoes For Jamie Oliver’s Tomato Soup?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes if fresh ones are not available. In fact, canned tomatoes can work even better in some cases, as they tend to be more concentrated and flavorful.
Is Jamie Oliver’s Tomato Soup Recipe Vegetarian Or Vegan?
Jamie Oliver’s original tomato soup recipe is vegetarian. To make it vegan, simply ensure that the vegetable stock and any optional cream or cheese toppings are plant-based.
Can I Freeze Jamie Oliver’s Tomato Soup?
Yes, you can freeze Jamie Oliver’s tomato soup. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, ensure it is thoroughly heated before serving.
What Is The Best Type Of Tomato To Use For Jamie Oliver’s Tomato Soup?
Ripe, fleshy tomatoes like Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes are ideal for Jamie Oliver’s tomato soup. These varieties have a rich, sweet flavor that contributes to the depth of the soup.
Can I Add Cream To Jamie Oliver’s Tomato Soup For Extra Richness?
Yes, you can add a splash of cream to Jamie Oliver’s tomato soup to make it creamier and richer. This step is optional and depends on your preference for texture.
How Do I Make The Soup Spicier, If Desired?
To add spice to the soup, you can incorporate ingredients such as chili flakes, fresh chili peppers, or a dash of hot sauce. Adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance.
Can I Add Other Vegetables To Jamie Oliver’s Tomato Soup?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers to Jamie Oliver’s tomato soup to add more depth of flavor. Simply chop them finely and cook them with the onions and garlic.
What Should I Serve With Jamie Oliver’s Tomato Soup?
Jamie Oliver’s tomato soup pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or croutons. A light salad with fresh greens can also complement the soup as a side dish.