Indulge in a bowl of summertime bliss with our Heirloom Tomato Soup, a vibrant symphony of flavors that captures the essence of freshly picked tomatoes at their peak. Each spoonful bursts with the pure, sweet taste of heirlooms, transformed into a silky-smooth elixir. A hint of basil adds a fragrant touch, while a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil provides a luxurious finish. Dive into this luscious, garden-fresh experience, and let the rich, robust flavors transport you to a sun-drenched paradise with every delectable bite.
Discover the symphony of flavor in our Heirloom Tomato Soup. This divine concoction, steeped in rich tradition, is an orchestra of sun-ripened heirlooms straight from local organic farms.
Their vibrant hues—orange, yellow, purple—meld into a luxurious, velvety broth that’s a testament to summer’s bounty.
Each spoonful unravels a tantalizing tale; the heirlooms’ natural sweetness, the faintly peppery undertones of fresh basil, and the comforting warmth of a homemade meal.
This soup is a voyage, a seasonal journey, that pays homage to time-tested culinary heritage.
It’s about celebrating purity, championing sustainability, and cherishing the simplicity of real food. Through our heirloom tomato soup, we invite you on a gastronomic adventure, a dance of flavors, where every ingredient has a voice, and every bite tells a story.
Indulge, savor, relish in the magic of authentic cuisine, and let your taste buds revel in the medley of heirlooms, a taste as timeless as sunshine.
What Is Heirloom Tomato Soup?
Heirloom Tomato Soup is a gourmet delight made from distinctive heirloom tomatoes. It is renowned for its rich, complex flavors and unique genetic lineages.
These tomatoes are simmered to release their natural sweetness, then blended into a velvety broth, often enhanced with aromatic herbs like basil.
The soup is a vibrant celebration of summer’s bounty, combining the taste of tradition with the warmth of home cooking.
It’s a culinary experience inviting you to appreciate authentic food’s simple, pure, and timeless joy.
Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?
- Keto and Paleo Replace regular sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like stevia or erythritol. Use bone broth for an added protein boost.
- Gluten-Free Ensure your vegetable or chicken stock is gluten-free; some store-bought versions may contain gluten. Otherwise, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Whole30 Skip any form of sweeteners and dairy. Use Whole30-compliant broth, garnish with fresh herbs, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
- Vegetarian and Vegan Opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken. If the original recipe includes cream, replace it with coconut or cashew for vegans. Garnish with a vegan-friendly cream or simply a sprig of fresh herbs.
Recipe Directions
- In a stockpot, sauté onions in oil until soft.
- Add garlic and cook for a minute.
- Stir in salt, basil, corn, carrot, and tomatoes.
- Add broth, boil, then simmer until tomatoes soften (15-20 mins).
- Let the mixture cool slightly.
- Puree the soup in a food processor until smooth.
- Reheat the soup in the pan.
- Serve in bowls with a drizzle of cream.
Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings
- Variations: Make a spicy version by adding a dash of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce. Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for unique flavors.
- Add-Ons: Toss in cooked pasta or rice for a heartier soup. Blend in cooked red lentils for a protein boost. Stir in some spinach or kale at the end for added nutrients.
- Toppings: Crumbled feta or goat cheese adds a tangy contrast. Roasted pumpkin seeds or croutons provide a crunchy texture. A spoonful of pesto adds a vibrant twist.
- Accompaniments: Pair the soup with a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic comfort meal. Serve alongside a fresh salad for a light, summery lunch.
- Dietary Tweaks: Swap cream for coconut milk for a vegan alternative. Use bone broth instead of vegetable broth for a Paleo-friendly version.
Can I Make Heirloom Tomato Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?
Slow Cooker
- Sauté the onions and garlic in a pan until soft, then transfer them to the slow cooker.
- Add heirloom tomatoes, corn, carrot, salt, basil, and broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the tomatoes are softened.
- Let the soup cool slightly, then puree it in a blender or immersion blender until smooth.
- Reheat if needed and serve with a drizzle of cream.
Instant Pot
- Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and heat the oil. Add the onions, cooking until soft.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the heirloom tomatoes, corn, carrot, salt, basil, and broth.
- Close the lid, set the valve to ‘Sealing,’ and cook on ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ setting on high for 10 minutes.
- Allow for natural pressure release before removing the lid.
- Let the soup cool slightly, then blend until smooth.
- Set the Instant Pot back to ‘Sauté’ mode and heat the soup if necessary. Serve with a drizzle of cream.
Can I Use Store Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?
Store-Bought Broth
This is a convenient option when you’re short on time. It’s readily available and saves you the effort of making broth from scratch. However, choose a high-quality, low-sodium broth to ensure a good flavor base. Also, check the ingredients to ensure the broth suits any dietary restrictions you might have, such as gluten-free or vegetarian.
Homemade Broth
Making your broth allows you to control the ingredients and flavor profile. It’s often more flavorful and nutritious than store-bought varieties and free from preservatives and additives. However, it requires more time and planning to prepare.
How To Serve ?
- Bread Pairing: Serve it alongside a slice of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic, comforting meal.
- Garnish: Enhance the soup’s presentation and flavor with a swirl of cream, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or a few homemade croutons on top.
- Salad: Pair the soup with a new, crisp salad for a light and balanced meal. A green salad or a Caprese salad would pair wonderfully.
- Protein: To make the soup a heartier meal, serve it with a protein like grilled chicken or roasted turkey.
- Temperature: While this soup is usually served hot during warmer months, it can also be chilled like a gazpacho.
- Pottery: Serve it in a stylish soup bowl or a rustic earthenware pot to add an appealing visual touch.
Perfect Side Dishes
- Crusty Bread: A fresh, crusty bread is perfect for dipping in the soup and adds a satisfying textural contrast.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: This is a classic pairing. The crispy, gooey sandwich complements the smooth, tangy soup perfectly.
- Green Salad: A light, refreshing salad can balance the rich, hearty flavors of the soup. A simple salad with mixed greens, vinaigrette, and a touch of cheese would work well.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers or asparagus, can provide a delightful contrast to the soup’s texture and flavor.
- Bruschetta: Tomato and basil bruschetta echo the soup’s flavors and offer a pleasing crunch.
- Cheese and Crackers: A small cheese plate with various cheeses and whole-grain crackers can add a luxurious touch to your meal.
- Quinoa Salad: A light, citrusy quinoa salad can provide a healthy, protein-rich complement to the soup.
Storage And Make Ahead
- Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Make Ahead: You can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. This allows the flavors to develop even more, making it a great option for entertaining or meal prep.
- Reheating: When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water to thin the soup to your desired consistency, as it can thicken as it sits.
What Can We Do With Leftovers?
- Pasta Sauce: Reduce the soup on the stovetop to thicken it and use it as a flavorful pasta sauce.
- Grain Bowl Base: Use the soup as a broth in a grain bowl, pairing it with quinoa or rice and your choice of protein and veggies.
- Shakshuka: Repurpose the soup into a Shakshuka base, adding spices and poached eggs.
- Bread Dip: Heat the soup and use it for a tasty crusty bread dip.
- Stuffed Pepper Filling: Mix the soup with cooked rice or quinoa and fill it with stuffed peppers.
- Pizza Sauce: Use the soup as a tomato base on homemade pizza, and add toppings of your choice.
- Freeze For Later: Soup leftovers freeze well. Save them for a day when you need a quick, comforting meal.
TIPS
- Optimal Ripeness:Â Use ripe heirloom tomatoes for the best flavor. They should be firm but yield slightly to pressure.
- Enhancing Flavor:Â Roast the tomatoes, garlic, and onions before blending for a deeper, richer flavor profile.
- Balancing Acidity:Â To balance the acidity of the tomatoes, add a pinch of sugar or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- Texture Enhancement:Â For a chunkier soup, reserve some diced tomatoes and stir them in after blending.
- Garnish Creatively:Â Elevate your soup with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a dollop of creamy goat cheese.
Heirloom Tomato Soup – Delicious Tangy Sweetness
4
servings10
minutes30
minutes150
kcalHeirloom Tomato Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that showcases the vibrant and diverse flavors of heirloom tomatoes. This classic soup combines rich, juicy tomatoes with fresh herbs and a touch of cream for a smooth, luxurious texture.
Ingredients
1 1 large sweet onion (Halved and thinly sliced)
1/4 cup 1/4 Extra virgin olive oil
6 minced 6 Garlic cloves
8 lbs 8 Medium heirloom tomatoes
1 chopped 1 Large carrot
1 cup 1 Fresh corn
1/4 cup 1/4 Basil leaves
2 tsps 2 Sea salt
1/2 cups 1/2 Reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/3 cups 1/3 Heavy whipping cream
Step-By-Step Directions
- Start by preparing your ingredients. Peel and dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the tomatoes, corn, and carrot. Measure your broth and cream.
- Heat your stockpot over medium heat and pour in the oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the diced onions to the pot. Sauté these until they soften and become translucent.
- Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Stir it around and cook for about 60 seconds until it releases its aroma.
- Now, add in your seasonings: the salt and the basil. Stir well to mix them into the onions and garlic.
- Time to add the veggies. Add the corn, carrots, and heirloom tomatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine everything.
- Pour in the broth next. Stir once more, then turn up the heat to bring the soup to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover your pot and let the soup simmer. This should take about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- After the tomatoes have softened, remove the pot from the heat and let the soup cool down slightly.
- Next, ladle the soup into your food processor. Make sure to do this in batches so as not to overfill it. Puree each batch until the soup is smooth and creamy.
- Pour the pureed soup back into the pan and heat it through. Stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
- Finally, ladle the hot soup into serving bowls. Drizzle each bowl with about three-quarters of a teaspoon of cream.
- EQUIPMENT LIST
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Stockpot or Dutch Oven
- Wooden Spoon
- Blender or Food Processor
- Ladle: For serving the soup.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Immersion Blender
- Strainer or Sieve
Notes
- For a Vegan Twist: Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and the heavy whipping cream with coconut cream for a delightful vegan version.
- Customizing the Texture: If you prefer a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired smoothness.
- Garnish Galore: Elevate the presentation and taste by adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or a handful of croutons on top.
- Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, so consider making it in advance and letting the flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator.
- Freezing Friendly: Store leftovers in airtight containers and freeze them for up to three months for quick and comforting meals anytime.
- Heirloom Varieties: Experiment with different heirloom tomato varieties to explore a spectrum of colors and flavors in your soup. It’s a fun way to discover unique taste profiles.