Chilled Moroccan Tomato Soup

Chilled Moroccan Tomato Soup Recipe - Origin, Ingredients, and Preparation

Region / culture: Morocco | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 1 minute | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chilled Moroccan Tomato Soup is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for hot summer days. This soup is a delicious blend of tomatoes, spices, and citrus flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Moroccan cuisine, which is known for its bold flavors and aromatic spices. The combination of tomatoes, cumin, paprika, and cinnamon in this soup reflects the rich culinary heritage of Morocco.

Ingredients

2 medium tomatoes, diced
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
1 scallion, finely chopped
1 qt (946 ml) chilled tomato juice
0.25 cup chilled orange juice
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
0.5 tsp paprika
0.25 tsp ground cinnamon
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
hot pepper sauce
salt

How to prepare

In a bowl, mix together the tomatoes, celery, scallion, tomato juice, and orange juice until well blended.
Warm the olive oil in a medium-sized pan over medium heat.
Add the garlic, cumin, paprika, and cinnamon to the oil and stir continuously for 1 minute. Make sure to maintain the heat to preserve the flavor.
Add the spice mixture to the soup, along with lemon juice, hot sauce, and salt to taste, as needed.
Transfer the mixture to a sealable tub and refrigerate for 4 hours before serving.
This recipe serves 4.

Variations

Add diced cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch.
Stir in cooked chickpeas or lentils for added protein.
Garnish with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese for a creamy finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.

- Adjust the amount of hot pepper sauce to suit your taste preferences.

- For a smoother texture, you can blend the soup in a blender before chilling.

- Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil before serving for an extra touch of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chilled Moroccan Tomato Soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a light and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making this soup is to slowly cook the spices in olive oil before adding them to the soup mixture. This helps to release the flavors and aromas of the spices, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh tomatoes on hand, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead. You can also substitute lime juice for lemon juice for a slightly different citrus flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Chilled Moroccan Tomato Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it chills, making it even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a dollop of yogurt for an elegant presentation. Serve in chilled bowls for an extra refreshing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This soup pairs well with grilled meats, seafood dishes, or vegetarian entrees. It also goes well with a glass of chilled white wine or a fruity iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pour the soup into a saucepan and warm over low heat until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chilled Moroccan Tomato Soup contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chilled Moroccan Tomato Soup contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chilled Moroccan Tomato Soup contains approximately 4 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chilled Moroccan Tomato Soup contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium, thanks to the tomatoes and citrus juices used in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free, making it suitable for those with common food allergies.

Summary

Chilled Moroccan Tomato Soup is a low-calorie, nutrient-rich dish that is packed with vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chilled Moroccan Tomato Soup is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for summer. With its blend of tomatoes, spices, and citrus flavors, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Chilled Moroccan Tomato Soup. It was many years ago, when I was a young girl visiting my aunt in Morocco. My aunt was a wonderful cook, and she always had the most delicious recipes up her sleeve. One hot summer day, she served us this refreshing tomato soup that instantly became a family favorite.

I watched intently as my aunt prepared the soup, taking notes in my little notebook so I could recreate it at home. She started by roasting ripe tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions in the oven until they were charred and caramelized. The aroma that filled the kitchen was heavenly, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

Once the vegetables were roasted, my aunt blended them together with fresh garlic, cilantro, and a mix of Moroccan spices including cumin, paprika, and a pinch of cinnamon. The soup turned a vibrant red color, and the flavors were rich and complex. My aunt let it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together and develop.

As I took my first spoonful of the chilled soup, I was transported back to that hot summer day in Morocco. The soup was cool and refreshing, with a slight kick from the spices and a hint of sweetness from the roasted vegetables. It was the perfect balance of flavors, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

When I returned home, I set to work recreating the recipe for Chilled Moroccan Tomato Soup. I gathered all the ingredients and followed my notes from my aunt's kitchen. As the soup simmered on the stove, the familiar aroma filled my own kitchen, bringing back memories of that summer in Morocco.

When the soup was ready, I poured it into bowls and let it chill in the refrigerator just like my aunt had taught me. As I took my first spoonful, I was transported back to her kitchen, surrounded by the sights and sounds of Morocco. The flavors were just as I remembered - bold, spicy, and refreshing all at once.

I shared the soup with my family, who were amazed at how closely I had recreated my aunt's recipe. They loved every spoonful, savoring the complex flavors and the cool, refreshing taste. From that day on, Chilled Moroccan Tomato Soup became a staple in our household, a reminder of the time I spent in Morocco and the lessons I learned from my aunt.

Over the years, I have continued to make this soup, adapting it to my own tastes and preferences. I have added my own twist by garnishing it with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, making it even more flavorful and satisfying. Each time I make it, I am reminded of my aunt and the love and care she put into every dish she served.

Now, as I pass on this recipe to my own grandchildren, I hope they will feel the same connection to our family's culinary traditions as I do. I hope they will savor each spoonful of Chilled Moroccan Tomato Soup, appreciating the flavors and memories it brings with it. And I hope that they, too, will carry on the tradition of sharing delicious meals with those they love, just as my aunt did for me.