Tomato soup offers numerous health benefits along with a great taste. It is made out of fresh juicy tomatoes which are very good for your body. Tomato has high amount of an antioxidant called Lycopene. This antioxidant is only found in vegetables and human body is unable to make it. Lycopene can lower the risk of prostrate cancer, lung cancer and colon cancer to a major extent. It also prevents early aging and proves to be beneficial for people suffering from diabetes and cardiovascular problems. It is also known to prevent cataract and osteoporosis. Tomato soupâs wholesome goodness comes with very low number of calories. So, why not go for preparing it at home, all on your own? Read on to learn how you can make delicious tomato soup.
Complexity Level: Basic
Time Required: 20-25 minutes
Resources Required:
- Tomatoes
- Onion
- Carrot
- Celery
- Saucepan
- Oil
- Spoon
- Salt
- Sugar
- Black pepper
- Water
- Bread crumbs
- Cream
Instructions:
1. Gather the resources
Gather all the resources you need to prepare tomato soup. Double check the list of ingredients to avoid any last minute rush to the market.
2. Prepare the veggies
Grab some fresh tomatoes from the market. Tomato soup includes other vegetables as well. You can add onions, carrots, celery, etc. Wash all the vegetables properly before you start chopping. Do not use vegetables without washing as they might contain pesticides and other impurities. Cut the tomatoes into four pieces, do not forget to scoop out the eye of tomato. Chop the onion and carrots as well after removing their peels. Cut some celery into small bits.
3. Cook the vegetables
Add about a spoonful of oil into a saucepan. Let the oil heat for sometime. Once the oil is hot add onion, celery and carrot into the saucepan. Mix the vegetables properly using a wooden spoon. Cook the vegetables for about ten minutes so that they turn soft. Make sure the vegetables do not stick at the bottom of the pan. Stir them from time to time.
4. Add tomatoes
Add about 2 spoon of tomato puree into the saucepan with vegetables. Stir with a spoon and mix the puree with the vegetables. Add the chopped tomatoes into the saucepan. Sprinkle sugar and salt according to taste. A little bit of black pepper can also be added for aroma. Cover the pan with a lid and allow the tomatoes to cook for about ten minutes on low heat. Stir the ingredients from time to time to avoid burning.
5. Add water
Add water when the vegetables are well cooked. Mix the vegetables properly in water and let it boil on high heat. Wait for bubbling and then simmer down the stove. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 20 minutes to get a thick soup. Remove the pan from heat once the tomatoes are properly cooked.
6. Blend the soup
Let the mixture in the pan cool down and then transfer the ingredients into the blender. Blend the soup so that it is smoothened. Pour the soup into large bowls and serve hot. You can add bread crumbs and cream to add taste. You can store this soup for about 3 months and serve hot whenever needed.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How can I thicken the soup?
Adding a spoonful of corn flour can help in thickening the soup. Add this when the soup is boiling. You will get thick soup which will taste superb.
Quick Tips:
- You can add sugar and salt as per your taste.
- Choose fresh juicy tomatoes for preparing soup.
Things To Watch Out For:
- Avoid soup from burning by stirring time to time.
- Do not let other vegetables to overpower the tomato flavor.
