Tomato soup is a classic and comforting dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Using a food processor to make tomato soup is a quick and efficient way to achieve a smooth and creamy texture. In this recipe, ripe tomatoes are roasted to bring out their natural sweetness, then combined with sautéed onion and garlic before being blended in a food processor. Finally, heavy cream is added for richness and fresh basil leaves for flavor. This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a quick and satisfying lunch. So let’s get started!
How to make tomato soup in a food processor
Here is a recipe for making tomato soup in a food processor:
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized tomatoes
- 1 medium-sized onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cut the tomatoes in half and remove the stems. Peel and chop the onion and garlic cloves.
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add the tomatoes to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
- Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the pan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the tomatoes are completely cooked and the liquid has reduced slightly.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the soup cool for a few minutes. Transfer the soup to a food processor or blender and process until smooth and creamy.
- Return the soup to the saucepan and add the heavy cream (if using). Heat the soup over low heat until warmed through, but do not boil.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth before serving.
- To make the soup even more flavorful, you can roast the tomatoes, onion, and garlic in the oven before cooking them on the stovetop. To do this, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the tomatoes in half and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet. Peel and cut the onion into quarters and place it on the baking sheet along with the garlic cloves (still in their skins). Drizzle everything with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and slightly charred.
- You can also add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the soup for extra nutrients and flavor. Simply chop the vegetables into small pieces and sauté them along with the onion and garlic before adding the tomatoes.
- For a vegan or dairy-free version of the soup, omit the heavy cream and use a plant-based milk or cream substitute instead. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- To store leftover soup, let it cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If you prefer a chunky tomato soup, you can pulse the soup in the food processor instead of processing it until it’s completely smooth. This will leave some texture to the soup and small chunks of tomato and vegetables.
- To save time, you can use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes. Simply drain the tomatoes and add them to the saucepan along with the onion and garlic. Canned tomatoes will usually already be peeled and chopped, which makes them a convenient option.
- If you like a bit of tanginess in your tomato soup, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice to the soup before serving. This will help to brighten the flavors and balance the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- For a more filling and hearty soup, you can add some cooked pasta or rice to the soup. Simply cook the pasta or rice separately and add it to the soup before serving.
- You can also make a spicy version of tomato soup by adding some chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika to the soup. This will give the soup a smoky and spicy flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Note:
If you want a thinner soup, you can add more chicken or vegetable broth or water. If you want a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of broth or add more tomatoes. You can also add herbs and spices such as basil, thyme, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
TIPS:
Here are some additional tips to help you make tomato soup in a food processor:
- Choose ripe and flavorful tomatoes for the best-tasting soup. Look for tomatoes that are firm, but not too hard, and that have a rich red color and a sweet aroma. Roma tomatoes, vine-ripened tomatoes, or heirloom tomatoes are good choices for tomato soup.
- Use a sharp knife to chop the tomatoes, onion, and garlic into small pieces. This will help the food processor to puree the ingredients more easily and quickly.
- Be careful not to over-process the soup in the food processor, as this can make the soup too thin and watery. Process the soup in batches, if necessary, and pulse it for just a few seconds at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
- If the soup is too thick or chunky, you can add more broth or water to thin it out. On the other hand, if the soup is too thin or watery, you can add some tomato paste or a few slices of bread to thicken it up.
- Taste the soup as you go along and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt and pepper, herbs, or spices to enhance the flavor and make the soup more interesting.
- When serving the soup, you can garnish it with fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or cilantro, or with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraiche. This will add a pop of color and flavor to the soup and make it look more appetizing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Q: Can I make tomato soup in a food processor?
A: While a food processor can assist in various steps of making tomato soup, it is typically used for blending or pureeing the ingredients rather than the entire soup-making process. The food processor helps achieve a smooth and creamy texture for the soup.
Q: Can I cook tomato soup directly in a food processor?
A: No, it is not recommended to cook tomato soup directly in a food processor. Food processors are not designed for cooking or heating ingredients. Instead, the food processor is used for blending or pureeing the cooked ingredients to achieve the desired consistency.
Q: What ingredients are typically used to make tomato soup?
A: The basic ingredients for tomato soup typically include tomatoes (fresh or canned), onion, garlic, vegetable broth, olive oil, herbs (such as basil or oregano), salt, and pepper. Additional ingredients like cream or coconut milk can be added for richness and flavor.
Q: Do I need to peel the tomatoes for tomato soup made in a food processor?
A: Whether or not you peel the tomatoes for tomato soup is a matter of personal preference. Some recipes call for peeled tomatoes to achieve a smoother texture, while others may leave the skins on for added texture and nutrition. If you prefer a smooth soup, blanching the tomatoes before using them can make it easier to peel off the skins.
Q: Can I use a blender instead of a food processor to make tomato soup?
A: Yes, a blender can be used as an alternative to a food processor for making tomato soup. Blenders are particularly well-suited for blending liquids and achieving a smooth texture. However, be cautious when blending hot ingredients, as steam can build up and cause pressure. Blend in batches if needed and use caution when handling hot ingredients.
Q: Can I cook tomato soup entirely in a food processor?
A: No, a food processor is not designed for cooking or heating ingredients. While a food processor can assist in blending or pureeing the ingredients for tomato soup, the actual cooking of the soup typically occurs on the stovetop or in a separate pot or pan.
Q: How do I use a food processor to blend ingredients for tomato soup?
A: Here’s a step-by-step guide on using a food processor to blend the ingredients for tomato soup:
· Cook the ingredients: In a pot or pan, cook your tomatoes, onion, garlic, and other desired ingredients for the soup until they are soft and flavors have melded together.
· Allow the mixture to cool slightly: Once cooked, let the mixture cool for a few minutes so it’s safe to handle and won’t damage the food processor.
· Transfer to the food processor: Carefully transfer the cooked ingredients from the pot to the food processor. Depending on the capacity of your food processor, you may need to process the mixture in batches.
· Secure the lid: Ensure that the lid of the food processor is securely locked in place to prevent any leakage or spills.
· Process until smooth: Start the food processor and blend the ingredients until they reach a smooth and creamy consistency. This may take a few minutes, depending on the desired texture.
· Adjust the consistency: If the soup is too thick, you can add additional liquid such as vegetable broth or water to achieve the desired consistency. Blend again briefly to incorporate the added liquid.
· Reheat and season: Transfer the blended soup back to a pot and reheat it gently over low heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding salt, pepper, herbs, or spices according to your preference.
· Serve and garnish: Ladle the tomato soup into bowls and garnish with toppings of your choice, such as fresh herbs, croutons, grated cheese, or a drizzle of cream.
Remember to follow a specific recipe or adapt these general guidelines to suit your preferences. The steps and ingredients may vary based on the recipe you are following.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making tomato soup in a food processor is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious and nutritious meal. By following these tips, you can create a flavorful and creamy soup that is perfect for any occasion. Remember to choose ripe and flavorful tomatoes, chop the ingredients into small pieces, process the soup in batches, adjust the seasoning as needed, and garnish the soup with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream. Whether you prefer a smooth or chunky soup, a vegan or dairy-based version, or a spicy or tangy flavor profile, you can customize the soup to your liking and enjoy it with some crusty bread or a side salad.
