Picture a steaming bowl of spicy tomato soup, with its rich aroma wafting through the air, filling your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.
There’s something so comforting about this Italian classic, and it’s surprisingly easy to whip up with ingredients you likely have on hand.
As the tomatoes break down and mingle with the fragrant basil and kick of red pepper flakes, magic happens.
Ready to savor this cozy delight? Let’s bring this dish to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Medium Pot
- 1 Blender
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Stirring Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 cups tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Spicy Tomato Soup, follow this timeline:
- Reading & Preparation (5 minutes):
- Take a moment to read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and ingredients.
- Gather all the necessary ingredients and kitchen tools (medium pot, blender, knife, cutting board, stirring spoon).
- Prep Work (10 minutes):
- Chop the medium onion and tomatoes.
- Mince the garlic.
- Chop the fresh basil.
- Cooking (30 minutes):
- Minute 0-5: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the medium pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Minute 5-6: Stir in the minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute.
- Minute 6-16: Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they start to break down, about 10 minutes.
- Minute 16-31: Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth, and stir in 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Blending & Final Touches (10 minutes):
- Minute 31-33: Remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly for safe blending.
- Minute 33-37: Carefully transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. (If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup.)
- Minute 37-39: Return the blended soup to the pot and reheat gently.
- Minute 39-40: Stir in the chopped fresh basil and 1/4 cup of heavy cream, and heat through.
- Resting & Serving (5 minutes):
- Minute 40-45: Let the soup rest off the heat for 5 minutes before serving.
Adjust as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute.
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they start to break down, about 10 minutes.
Pour in the vegetable broth, and stir in the sugar, salt, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly.
Carefully transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth.
Return the blended soup to the pot and reheat gently.
Stir in the fresh basil and heavy cream, and heat through.
Let the soup rest off the heat for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing that adds a comforting and cheesy contrast.
- Avocado Slices: Adds a creamy texture and healthy fats to balance the spice.
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle on top for an extra savory touch and depth of flavor.
- Fresh Green Salad: Provides a revitalizing and crisp contrast to the warm, spicy soup.
Storage
Store spicy tomato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently before serving.
Freezing
To freeze Spicy Tomato Soup, cool it completely.
Then, transfer to airtight containers. Leave space for expansion.
Label with date. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw slowly in the refrigerator.
Reheating
When reheating Spicy Tomato Soup, warm it gently over low heat.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Avoid high heat to maintain the soup’s creamy texture.
This also helps to avoid curdling the cream.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, Spicy Tomato Soup is a delightful Italian dish that combines rich flavors and a hint of heat.
It’s perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day. The recipe is simple to follow, requiring only a few ingredients and minimal preparation time.
By adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes, you can customize the spiciness to your preference.
For a creamier texture, the addition of heavy cream adds a touch of indulgence.
Serve it with crusty bread for a satisfying experience. Whether you choose to blend the soup smooth or leave it chunky, this soup is sure to please.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Canned Tomatoes Instead of Fresh Ones?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes. Choose whole peeled tomatoes for best flavor. Drain and rinse them, then proceed with the recipe. Canned tomatoes provide a richer taste, complementing the basil and cream beautifully. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Is There a Substitute for Heavy Cream for a Lighter Version?
Use Greek yogurt or coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version. Greek yogurt offers a creamy texture with tangy undertones, while coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness and complements the soup’s spicy, savory notes beautifully.
How Can I Make the Soup Spicier Without Altering the Flavor Balance?
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat. Balance with a splash of lime juice to preserve flavor harmony. Guarantee even distribution by stirring thoroughly after adding additional spices.
What Are Some Good Side Dishes to Serve With This Soup?
Pair the soup with a garlic-infused bruschetta, using fresh basil and diced tomatoes to enhance flavors. Alternatively, serve a crisp Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and parmesan for a contrasting texture, complementing the soup’s creamy consistency.
Can I Make This Soup Vegan-Friendly?
Yes, you can make it vegan-friendly. Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for creaminess. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Confirm your vegetable broth is vegan. Adjust these ingredients, keeping the soup’s spicy, savory profile intact.
Spicy Tomato Soup
Equipment
- 1 medium pot
- 1 Blender
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 cup tomatoes chopped
- 2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they start to break down, about 10 minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, and stir in the sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Carefully transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Return the blended soup to the pot and reheat gently.
- Stir in the fresh basil and heavy cream, and heat through.
- Let the soup rest off the heat for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
