Classic Tomato Soup

For the Tomato Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 carrot, peeled and diced

• 1 celery stalk, diced

• 2 cans (14 oz each) whole tomatoes, with their juice

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• Salt and pepper to taste

  
  

For Garnish:

• Sour cream

• Fresh coriander, chopped

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Stir in the whole tomatoes along with their juice, breaking them up with a spoon. Add the vegetable broth, sugar (if using), bay leaf, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes.

Step 3: Blend the Soup

Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can blend the soup in batches using a standard blender. Be careful when blending hot liquids, and allow steam to escape to prevent splattering.

Step 4: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls.

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy

Garnish each bowl of soup with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped fresh coriander. Serve hot, accompanied by crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Chef's Notes:

• Tomato Selection: For a richer flavor, you can use fire-roasted tomatoes instead of regular canned tomatoes.

• Consistency Adjustment: If the soup is too thick for your liking, you can thin it with a little more vegetable broth until you reach your desired consistency.

• Serving Suggestion: For an extra indulgent touch, serve the soup with grilled cheese sandwiches for the ultimate comfort food pairing.

• Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Conclusion:

This Classic Tomato Soup recipe is a celebration of simplicity and flavor, offering a heartwarming dish that's perfect for any occasion. The addition of sour cream and coriander as garnishes adds a touch of elegance and a burst of freshness, elevating this humble soup to a gourmet level. Enjoy the process of creating this comforting classic and the cozy warmth it brings to your table.