Warm, comforting, and full of flavor, tomato cream soup is a timeless classic. This velvety smooth soup is topped with a swirl of cream, crunchy chopped walnuts, and a sprinkle of fresh thyme for a touch of elegance. Paired with buttery toasted bread on the side, it’s the perfect dish to cozy up with on a chilly day or to serve as a starter. Let’s dive into this recipe!
Preparation time ⏰:
Total Time: 45 minutes
Number of Portions 🍽:
Serves 2
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 4 large tomatoes, peeled and chopped (or one 28 oz can of whole peeled tomatoes)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the soup Garnish:
- 2 tbsp cream (for swirling on top)
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts
- Fresh thyme leaves
For the Buttered Toast:
- 4 slices of crusty bread (such as sourdough or baguette)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- A pinch of garlic powder (optional, for added flavor)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 530 kcal
Protein: 10g
Fat: 36g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on portion sizes and specific brands of ingredients used.
Instructions:
Prepare the Tomato Cream Soup:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, and carrot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes break down.
- Add the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender) to blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in sugar (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Reheat gently if needed but do not boil.
Prepare the Buttered Toast:
- Spread softened butter evenly on both sides of the bread slices. Sprinkle with a pinch of garlic powder if desired.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and toast the bread slices for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
Garnish and Serve soup:
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Drizzle a swirl of heavy cream on top for a decorative touch.
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts and fresh thyme leaves over the soup.
- Serve with the warm buttered toast on the side for dipping.
Serving Tip 💡:
Serve warm with the bunch of walnuts and the thyme leaves for elevating its flavor. Pair it with a light salad for a complete meal, or serve as a delightful starter for a dinner party. Bon appétit!
