Tomato soup is a menu item that most people can agree tastes great. This easy and simple dish of a lightly simmered tomato base, with chopped vegetables and optional herbs, provides all the nutrition of fresh vegetables without the hassle of cutting them up.
This article will go over how to make tomato soup with a tomato soup recipe at home quickly and easily by breaking down each step. We'll also offer some tips for those who have never made it before!
Importance of Tomato Soup
There is so many reasons to have tomato soup. Aside from the fact that it is a delicious and healthy meal, many health benefits come along with it . There are nutrition values associated with each ingredient in tomato soup which can be considered quite high.
In addition, nutrients are abundant in tomatoes that help build up your immune system. A powerful antioxidant in tomatoes helps fight free radicals in your body.
What Kind of Tomatoes Should I Use for Tomato Soup?
Most people buy their tomatoes from the store and then once they are ready to make the tomato soup, they will already have the tomatoes lying around. However, there is a big difference between what a store-bought tomato and a freshly picked tomato tastes like, which makes all the difference when it comes to making tomato soup.
An heirloom type of tomato would be best as they are sweeter than other types of tomatoes. If you are looking to take your soup to another level consider adding fresh basil or rosemary. Select tomatoes of any kind to add flavour to your soup, whether it be canned or fresh from the store. The choice is yours. For smaller quantities, canned plum tomatoes work best.
Nutritional Value of Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a carotenoid phytochemical that is known for being a potent antioxidant. It has been proven to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer.
You can find antioxidants in tomatoes in both their raw and cooked form. However, cooking increases the amounts of these phytochemicals and makes them easier to digest. This means adding tomatoes to your soup will provide more value than eating it on its own.
Ingredients for Tomato Stew
● Masala Powder
● Tomatoes
● Refined Oil
● Onions
● Beans or Lentils
● Garlic
● Bay Leaf
● Cumin Seeds
Any kind of tomato stew requires a good base of tomatoes, onions, coconut oil and spice to bring out the natural flavours. Use any type of tomato you wish, but make sure it is not too ripe. The reason for this is that tomatoes can signify a little too much acid in the stomach and this being the case would make it hard for your body to digest. If tomatoes are too ripe, you will end up with an upset stomach or even diarrhoea.
Steps in Making Tomato Stew
● Wash the tomatoes and cut them in half. Set them aside.
● Dice the onions and garlic cloves finely.
● Heat coconut oil in a large pot with holes in it over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until they turn nice and golden brown, stirring occasionally.
● Cook the dal with some salt until they are soft, stirring now and then.
● Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot as well as all of your spices (e.g., cumin seeds, bay leaf). Mix everything by stirring for about three minutes then reduce heat to low.
● Cover the pot with a lid slightly ajar so that steam is allowed to escape during the cooking process (this will create a thicker stew).
● Allow the tomatoes to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
● Now that your stew has been made, add the lentils, salt and chilli powder to it and cook for another 5-10 minutes.
● Serve up this delicious tomato stew with some rice or flatbread (e.g., chapati).
How to Make Bread Croutons
Bread croutons are a great way to add texture to a dish. They are used in a variety of dishes such as soups, salads, and pasta. They go well with just about anything and it is generally easy to make your bread croutons.
Ingredients Required
● Bread slices
● Butter (for greasing the pan)
● Salt and pepper powder
Method to Make Bread Croutons
● Preheat oven to 350 degrees F / 180 degrees C
● While heating your oven, place bread slices on a baking sheet and place them into the oven for three minutes until they start turning golden brown.
● Once the slices have turned golden, remove them and flip each slice over.
● Add a little butter to the pan and place the bread slices back into the oven. Let them toast for another three minutes or so until they turn golden brown on both sides. After that, take out and sprinkle salt and pepper powder on top before serving.
Expert Tips on Making Tomato Stew
To make it a smooth soup, puree it in a blender. If you want to add more vegetables, do it right before serving so they don't overcook.
Add more chilli powder if you want to make the soup spicier.
Conclusion
Tomato soup is a simple dish, but the ingredients and spices used can vary from one recipe to another. Whatever your preferences may be, this soup will leave you feeling satisfied and full. Serve your tomato stew with a slice of your favourite bread to make a complete meal.
The health benefits of tomatoes are abundant and there are a ton of ways to prepare this delicious vegetable so you need to try out this tomato soup recipe. Add chopped carrots, peas, potatoes and celery with a dash of olive oil to your tomato soup recipe. Use any herbs you wish.
FAQs
Is this soup healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy meal.
Does tomato stew taste good with anything else?
Since this tomato soup recipe is flavourful on its own, it can be served with almost any dish that you want. You will simply need to adjust the quantities.
Can tomatoes be stored in the fridge?
Yes, they can. As long as they are not too ripe, they will stay fresh for a week or two in your refrigerator.
What are the ingredients for tomato stew?
Tomato stew requires good quality tomatoes and onions along with other ingredients such as coconut oil and spices to make sure that it tastes amazing.