From Paste to Perfection: How to Make Tomato Soup with Tomato Paste

Tomato soup is a classic comfort food that everyone loves. It’s perfect for a rainy day, or on a cold winter night. Tomato soup from scratch can be a very time-consuming process, and many people just don’t have the time to spend hours in the kitchen. Luckily, there is a solution – tomato paste! You can make delicious tomato soup in just a few minutes using tomato paste. In this article, we’ll be sharing different ways to make tomato soup from tomato paste.

The best part about making tomato soup from tomato paste is that it is so easy and quick. All you need is a few ingredients and some time to bring a delicious meal to the table. Whether you are a busy mom looking for an easy recipe or are just looking for a quick and easy meal to whip up, tomato soup from tomato paste is perfect. In the following paragraphs, we’ll be looking at different methods for making tomato soup with canned tomato paste.

1. Gather Your Ingredients

Before embarking on the journey to create the perfect tomato soup with tomato paste, make sure you have all the required ingredients. These include:

– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can tomato paste (6 oz)
– 4 cups of water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Dried or fresh herbs of your choice (optional)

Once you have all these ingredients, you’re ready to get started on creating your soup.

2. Sauté Onion and Garlic

Heat up the olive oil in a large pot, then add your finely diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them over medium heat until they soften and start to become translucent. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

3. Add in Tomato Paste

Once your onion and garlic are cooked, add in the tomato paste and mix everything well. Cook the mixture for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. This step will help to release the flavors of the tomato paste and will help to create a more robust flavor profile in your soup.

4. Pour in Water

After your tomato paste has cooked a bit, it is time to pour in the water. Add in 4 cups of water and stir everything well. You can adjust the amount of water as per your desired soup consistency.

5. Season Your Soup

Add salt and pepper to taste and mix everything well. If you want to add in some herbs, this is the perfect time to do so. Dried or fresh herbs like basil, thyme, oregano, or even bay leaf can add a depth of flavor to your soup.

6. Bring it to a Boil

Set your heat to high and bring your soup to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally.

7. Blend Your Soup

Once your soup has simmered, let it cool down slightly before transferring it to a blender. Puree the soup until it’s smooth and all the ingredients are well combined. Be careful not to overfill the blender, as hot soup can splatter and cause injury.

8. Reheat Your Soup

Transfer your pureed soup back to the pot and reheat it on low heat.

9. Serve Your Soup

Once your soup is heated, it’s ready to serve! You can garnish it with some grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of sour cream if you desire.

10. Store Your Soup

If you end up with leftovers, store your soup in the fridge in an airtight container. Your tomato soup can last up to 3 days in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply store it in a ziplock freezer bag and defrost it in the fridge before reheating it. Enjoy your delicious homemade tomato soup!

Choosing the Right Tomato Paste

When it comes to making tomato soup, selecting the right tomato paste can make or break the dish. Ideally, you want to choose a tomato paste that is thick, concentrated, and rich in flavor. Look for options that are made from high-quality tomatoes, and avoid products that contain artificial preservatives or additives.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Before you begin making your tomato soup, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. Typically, you’ll need tomato paste, broth or water, cream or milk, and spices. Additionally, you may choose to add other elements like vegetables, meats, or seasonings to elevate the flavor of your soup.

Preparing Your Tools and Equipment

Beyond the ingredients, you’ll also need certain tools and equipment to make your tomato soup. These might include a saucepan, immersion blender, whisk, or ladle. Before you start cooking, ensure that you have all the necessary equipment and that it’s clean and in good condition.

Browning Your Tomato Paste

The first step in making tomato soup with tomato paste is to brown the paste in a saucepan. This process enhances the natural sweetness of the tomato and gives the soup a richer, deeper flavor. To brown the tomato paste, simply place it in a saucepan over medium heat and cook it while stirring for a few minutes until it turns a darker shade of red.

Adding the Broth or Water

Once your tomato paste is browned, it’s time to add the broth or water. The amount of liquid you use will depend on how thick or thin you want your soup to be. Start by adding a small amount of broth or water and gradually increase it until you achieve the desired consistency.

Blending the Soup

After adding the broth or water, you’ll need to blend the soup to create a smooth, creamy texture. An immersion blender is the best tool for this job, as it allows you to blend the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can use a blender, but be sure to work in small batches and exercise caution when blending hot liquids.

Seasoning Your Soup

Once the soup is blended, it’s time to add your seasonings. Salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder are all excellent flavor additions. You may also choose to add fresh herbs like basil or oregano for added depth of flavor.

Adding Cream or Milk

For a creamier, richer tomato soup, you can add cream or milk to the mixture. Heavy cream or half-and-half will provide a decadent, velvety texture, while using milk will give your soup a lighter feel. Be sure to stir the soup continuously as you add the cream or milk to ensure that it’s evenly incorporated.

Optional Additions

If you’re looking to add more depth and complexity to your tomato soup, consider adding other ingredients like diced vegetables, cooked meats, or grated cheeses. Carrots, celery, and onions can all be sautéed and added to the soup for a heartier texture, while diced cooked chicken or sausage will provide additional protein. Grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese can be sprinkled on top or stirred into the soup for added richness.

Serving Your Tomato Soup

Once your tomato soup is ready, it’s time to serve it up. Garnish it with freshly chopped parsley, croutons, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and texture. Tomato soup pairs well with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or even a simple salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Section 3: Tips for Making Delicious Tomato Soup with Tomato Paste

1. Use high-quality tomato paste

Choosing the right tomato paste is crucial to the success of your tomato soup. Look for a high-quality brand that is made from ripe, juicy tomatoes, and contains no added sugar or preservatives. You can find good quality tomato paste in a can or tube at your local grocery store. Avoid buying tomato paste in a jar or plastic container, as they tend to have more water content and are less concentrated.

2. Add aromatics and herbs for more flavor

To enhance the taste of your tomato soup, you can add some aromatic vegetables like onions, garlic, and celery. These vegetables add depth and complexity to your soup, making it more flavorful. You can sauté these aromatics in olive oil or butter until they are soft and translucent before adding the tomato paste. Additionally, adding some chopped fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme can give your soup an additional burst of flavor.

3. Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water

Using chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for your tomato soup will provide it with more depth and richness. Broth has more flavor than water, and when combined with tomato paste, it makes a delicious broth that is perfect for your soup. You can either use homemade broth or store-bought broth for your soup. Please ensure that the broth does not contain any added salt before adding it to the soup.

4. Cream or milk adds richness and creaminess

Adding cream or milk to your tomato soup will make it richer and creamier. This ingredient is optional, but if you like your soup to be creamy and velvety, it is essential to add cream or milk. You can add heavy cream or half-and-half, or you can opt for a dairy-free option like coconut cream or almond milk. Be careful not to add too much milk or cream to your soup, as it can make the texture too thin or affect the taste of the soup.

5. Simmer the soup for a longer time

Simmering the soup for a longer time will enhance the flavors and allow the soup to thicken if it’s too watery. You can simmer the soup for at least 30 to 45 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally. The longer you cook the soup, the more delectable it becomes. You can also add some cooked pasta, rice, or beans to the soup to make it more filling and hearty.

With these tips, you can make a delicious bowl of tomato soup from tomato paste. You can experiment with different ingredients like adding some Parmesan cheese, croutons, bacon bits or even some roasted carrots to make your soup more interesting. Remember to make use of fresh and high-quality ingredients, simmer the soup for a while, and add some cream or milk for a rich, creamy texture. Bon appétit!

Soup’s on: enjoy your homemade tomato soup from tomato paste!

Now you know how to make tomato soup from tomato paste, you can start impressing your family and friends with your homemade soup. It’s a perfect meal for a chilly day or when you just want something comforting. Don’t forget to add some grilled cheese or croutons to complete the experience. Thank you for reading and visiting our site, we hope to see you again soon. Bon appétit!