Join me in cozying up with a delicious homemade tomato soup that takes comfort food to a delightful new level. Straight from Chef Tom Kerridge's kitchen, this hearty tomato soup is complete with the robust flavor of oven-roasted tomatoes, a bit of heat from the red chili, the aromatic presence of garlic, and an Italian touch with basil and oregano. To top it off, we add a unique twist with crispy bread chunks and indulgent mozzarella. This isn't just soup; it's a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, sliced
- Olive oil, for frying
- 4 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 1 red chili, chopped (adjust to heat preference)
- 6 slices of white bread, crusts removed and toasted
- Fresh tomatoes, seasoned with salt and olive oil, for roasting
- 1 tin of chopped tomatoes
- 500 ml chicken or vegetable stock
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh oregano leaves
- Fresh basil leaves
- A splash of double cream (optional)
- Mozzarella ball, torn
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Shop-bought black olive tapenade, for spreading on bread
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Equipment:
- High-sided saucepan
- Oven for roasting tomatoes
- Jug blender
- Baking sheet
Cooking Tips:
- Adjust the amount of red chili according to your spice preference.
- The soup can be kept rustic with some chunks, or blend it to your desired smoothness.
- The homemade croutons with tapenade add a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
Instructions:
1. Start by preheating your oven to 180-190°C (350-375°F) for the roasted tomatoes.
2. In a high-sided saucepan, sauté the onion in olive oil with a pinch of salt until softened.
3. While the onions are cooking, chop your garlic and chili, and add them to the pan, continuing to cook.
4. Season fresh tomatoes with a little salt and olive oil, and roast them in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until slightly dried and intensified in flavor.
5. To the saucepan, add the tin of chopped tomatoes and your stock. Bring to the boil and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, make sure your sliced bread is toasted to a crisp without color, then set aside.
7. After the soup has been simmering and the raw tomato taste has cooked out, season with salt and pepper.
8. Add the bread crusts to thicken the soup, stirring them in and letting them absorb moisture for about 5 minutes.
9. Blend the soup with a jug blender to your desired consistency, and during this step, add in your fresh oregano and basil.
10. If using, add a splash of double cream to enrich the soup, then return it to the saucepan to keep warm.
11. Spread shop-bought tapenade on your crispy bread to create flavorful croutons.
12. Place torn mozzarella directly into the serving bowl of soup, allowing it to melt.
13. Top the soup with your tapenade spread croutons and a generous garnish of grated Parmesan cheese.
14. Serve the soup hot, inviting everyone to enjoy the marriage of flavors and textures.
Attribution: Discover more incredible recipes by Chef Tom Kerridge on their YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@ChefTomKerridge
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