There’s something incredibly comforting about a hot bowl of soup, and if there’s one recipe that captures the essence of cozy and comforting dining, it’s La Madeleine’s tomato soup. This velvety, rich tomato soup recipe is a beloved staple at La Madeleine French Café, a place known for its authentic French-inspired dishes and homey feel. But what makes this soup stand out? Well, it’s the perfect balance of tangy tomatoes, creamy goodness, and herbs that leave you wanting more after every spoonful.
Whether you’re planning to make it for a quiet evening meal, a dinner party, or even just to fill the house with that warm, inviting aroma, this soup is the ideal dish. What’s great about making this tomato soup from scratch is that it gives you total control over the ingredients, allowing you to adjust the flavors exactly how you like them.
So, let’s dive deep into the La Madeleine tomato soup recipe, and I’ll guide you through everything you need to know to recreate this iconic dish in your own kitchen.
La Madeleine Tomato Soup Recipe
This recipe is surprisingly simple yet incredibly rich in flavor. It’s the perfect comfort food for any time of year, and the best part is that you can easily make it from scratch without any special equipment or advanced cooking skills. Just a few key ingredients and some patience while it simmers on the stove, and you’ll be rewarded with a silky, delicious tomato soup that’s pure bliss in a bowl.
Ingredients Needed
To create this creamy and flavorful tomato soup, here’s a list of everything you’ll need:
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): This serves as the base for sautéing the aromatics and gives the soup a smooth richness.
- Onion (1 medium, finely chopped): Onion provides sweetness and depth to the flavor base, and it pairs beautifully with the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Carrot (1 large, peeled and chopped): A secret ingredient that enhances the sweetness of the soup while balancing out the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Celery (1 stalk, chopped): Adds a subtle, savory element to the flavor profile and contributes to the soup’s hearty texture.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Garlic adds an aromatic depth and a slight pungency that perfectly complements the tomatoes.
- Canned tomatoes (2 cans, 14.5 ounces each, whole or diced): Canned tomatoes are the best choice here for a rich, concentrated flavor, but feel free to use fresh tomatoes if you prefer.
- Vegetable broth (3 cups): You can use chicken broth too, but vegetable broth adds a more delicate flavor that allows the tomato taste to shine.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): This is what makes the soup creamy and indulgent. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version, but nothing beats the richness of heavy cream.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Tomato paste intensifies the tomato flavor, adding a layer of umami to the soup.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): A little sugar helps to cut the acidity of the tomatoes and balance out the flavors.
- Basil (2 teaspoons, fresh or dried): Basil brings a fresh, herbal note that elevates the tomato flavor. Fresh basil is ideal, but dried works just fine if that’s what you have on hand.
- Salt (to taste): Always season to taste-tomatoes can sometimes need a bit more salt than you think!
- Black pepper (to taste): Freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle spiciness and enhances all the flavors in the soup.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to cook! Follow these steps for an easy, hassle-free process to make this delicious soup:
- Prepare the vegetables: Start by prepping your vegetables-chop the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, chop them up as well.
- Sauté the base: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they’re softened and the onions turn translucent.
- Add garlic and tomato paste: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for about 2 minutes to develop a deep, rich flavor.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in the canned tomatoes (with their juices) and the vegetable broth. Use a spoon to break up the tomatoes if they’re whole. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften even further.
- Blend the soup: Once the soup has cooked, use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot until smooth and velvety. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
- Finish with cream and seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream and season with sugar, basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the cream to integrate into the soup.
- Serve and enjoy: Once your soup is hot and creamy, it’s ready to serve. Pour it into bowls and top with a sprinkle of fresh basil or a drizzle of cream, if desired. Enjoy it with a slice of crispy French bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this La Madeleine tomato soup serves a specific purpose in crafting a perfect bowl of soup:
- Olive oil: Not only is olive oil great for sautéing, but it also adds a slight fruity, savory flavor to the soup.
- Onion, carrot, and celery: These vegetables, known as a mirepoix, form the flavor base for many French dishes. They provide a natural sweetness and depth to the soup that balances out the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Canned tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are the secret to getting that deep, concentrated tomato flavor without having to deal with peeling and seeding fresh tomatoes. The slow cooking process really brings out their natural sweetness and tang.
- Heavy cream: The cream adds a luxurious texture to the soup, making it silky smooth and rich. It helps to mellow the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the flavor.
- Herbs and seasonings: The basil adds an aromatic, slightly peppery kick, while the sugar acts as a flavor-balancing agent, cutting through the sharpness of the tomatoes.
Expert Tips
- Fresh herbs over dried: Fresh basil or thyme will make a huge difference in the flavor profile of this soup, so if you can get your hands on fresh herbs, do it! They really bring the soup to life.
- Blending: For an extra-smooth soup, strain the blended soup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any remaining skin or pulp from the tomatoes.
- Control the consistency: If you like a thicker soup, reduce the amount of vegetable broth. For a thinner soup, just add more broth until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- For extra depth: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end of cooking. It enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and gives the soup an extra layer of flavor.
Recipe Variations
While this recipe is already delicious as-is, there are several ways you can adjust it based on your preferences or dietary needs:
- Vegan version: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use vegetable broth to keep it completely plant-based.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped jalapeño when sautéing the vegetables for a spicy twist.
- Cheese lover’s version: Stir in grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese right before serving for a cheesy, savory addition.
- Roasted tomato version: For an extra layer of complexity, try roasting the tomatoes in the oven with garlic and herbs before adding them to the soup.
Final Words
Making La Madeleine’s tomato soup at home is an incredibly rewarding experience, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s such a fan favorite. With its smooth texture, vibrant tomato flavor, and comforting richness, it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make over and over again. The ingredients are simple, the process is straightforward, and the results are nothing short of extraordinary.
FAQs
What Are The Key Ingredients In La Madeleine Tomato Soup?
The key ingredients in La Madeleine tomato soup include ripe tomatoes, butter, onion, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and a blend of herbs such as basil and thyme. A touch of sugar may also be added to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Is La Madeleine Tomato Soup Vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, La Madeleine tomato soup can be made vegetarian-friendly by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth. The original recipe contains dairy but can be modified for a vegan version by using plant-based cream alternatives.
How Can I Make La Madeleine Tomato Soup Spicier?
To make La Madeleine tomato soup spicier, you can add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or finely chopped fresh jalapeños. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.
Can I Make La Madeleine Tomato Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, La Madeleine tomato soup can be made ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld. Simply store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove before serving.
What Is The Best Way To Thicken La Madeleine Tomato Soup?
To thicken La Madeleine tomato soup, you can blend the soup using an immersion blender or a regular blender to create a smooth, creamy texture. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can also add a small amount of cornstarch or flour mixed with water.
Can I Freeze La Madeleine Tomato Soup?
Yes, La Madeleine tomato soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What Is The Best Type Of Tomatoes To Use For La Madeleine Tomato Soup?
For the best flavor, it is recommended to use ripe, fresh Roma tomatoes or plum tomatoes, as they tend to be less watery and more flavorful. Alternatively, you can use canned San Marzano tomatoes for a rich, authentic taste.
What Can I Serve With La Madeleine Tomato Soup?
La Madeleine tomato soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments, such as a classic grilled cheese sandwich, fresh basil, croutons, or a side of crispy baguette. For a more hearty meal, you can serve it with a simple green salad.
How Can I Make The Soup Creamier Without Adding Heavy Cream?
To make the soup creamier without using heavy cream, you can substitute with whole milk, coconut milk, or cashew cream. Another option is to blend a small amount of cooked potatoes or cauliflower into the soup for a creamy texture.
What Makes La Madeleine Tomato Soup Different From Other Tomato Soup Recipes?
What sets La Madeleine tomato soup apart is its smooth, velvety texture and the balanced use of rich cream and a subtle sweetness from the tomatoes. The soup also features a combination of herbs and the careful preparation of fresh ingredients, making it a comforting and flavorful dish.