Cream of Sun-dried Tomato Soup

Cream of Sun-dried Tomato Soup Recipe - Delicious and Creamy Soup

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cream of Sun-dried Tomato Soup is a delicious and creamy soup that is perfect for any time of year. This soup is bursting with flavor from the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs, making it a comforting and satisfying dish.

History

Cream of Sun-dried Tomato Soup has its origins in Mediterranean cuisine, where sun-dried tomatoes are a popular ingredient. The creamy texture of the soup comes from the addition of milk and oat flour, creating a velvety base for the tomatoes and herbs to shine.

Ingredients

1 qt (946 ml) milk, whole, low-fat or skim
1 small onion, peeled and stuck with
2 cloves
6 whole peppercorns (or more)
1 pinch salt
4 tbsp rice flour (or barley or oat flour)
4 tbsp cold milk (about)
1 pack sun-dried tomatoes (3 oz (85 g))
2 cups water

Bouquet garni

6 fresh parsley stems
0.5 tsp dried leaf thyme
0.5 bay leaf

Optional

6 tbsp heavy cream
chopped herbs for garnish (basil, chervil or parsley)

How to prepare

Bouquet garni

Tie the herbs in a cheesecloth.

Soup

To make this creamy and vibrant red soup, start by placing the milk, onion, peppercorns, salt, and bouquet garni in a saucepan.
Slowly bring the mixture to a boil.
In a separate bowl, create a smooth paste by combining the rice flour and cold milk.
Add the paste to the boiling milk and stir vigorously until there are no lumps.
Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
While the soup is simmering, boil the sun-dried tomatoes in 2 cups of water without draining them.
After 20 minutes, strain the milk mixture and add the tomatoes along with their liquid.
Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Using a blender, puree the soup in batches until smooth.
Return the soup to the stove and bring it to a boil.
If desired, add optional cream and serve the soup in hot bowls, garnished with minced green herbs.

Variations

Add roasted red peppers for a smoky flavor.
Use coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Stir in cooked pasta or rice for a heartier soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to tie the herbs in a cheesecloth for easy removal before blending the soup.

- To achieve a smooth and creamy texture, use a blender to puree the soup in batches.

- For a richer flavor, add heavy cream at the end of cooking.

- Garnish the soup with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cream of Sun-dried Tomato Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting and hearty lunch.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the soup on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Blend the soup in batches for a smooth and creamy texture.

- Garnish the soup with fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular flour instead of oat flour.

- Substitute fresh tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes.

- Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Cream of Sun-dried Tomato Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cream of Sun-dried Tomato Soup in a bowl garnished with a drizzle of cream and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Pair with a slice of crusty bread for a beautiful and delicious presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cream of Sun-dried Tomato Soup pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. It also pairs nicely with a light and refreshing salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Cream of Sun-dried Tomato Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cream of Sun-dried Tomato Soup contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cream of Sun-dried Tomato Soup contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cream of Sun-dried Tomato Soup contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cream of Sun-dried Tomato Soup contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cream of Sun-dried Tomato Soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk) and gluten (oat flour). It may also contain nuts if garnished with chopped parsley.

Summary

Cream of Sun-dried Tomato Soup is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a great source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, making it a satisfying meal option.

Summary

Cream of Sun-dried Tomato Soup is a creamy and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich and velvety texture, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs in every spoonful!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Cream of Sun-dried Tomato Soup. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves falling gently to the ground as I meandered through the bustling farmers market in search of fresh ingredients for my next culinary creation. As I perused the vendor stalls, my eyes were drawn to a vibrant display of sun-dried tomatoes, their rich red color beckoning me closer.

I struck up a conversation with the friendly farmer, who shared with me the story of how his family had been cultivating tomatoes for generations. He told me about the meticulous process of drying the tomatoes under the warm sun, preserving their intense flavor and sweetness. Intrigued, I decided to purchase a handful of these sun-kissed gems, eager to experiment with them in my kitchen.

Back at home, I carefully studied the sun-dried tomatoes, marveling at their wrinkled texture and concentrated taste. I knew that I wanted to create a dish that would highlight their unique flavor, and after some research and experimentation, I settled on the idea of a creamy tomato soup.

I reached out to my dear friend, Maria, who was known for her delicious soups, and asked her if she had any recipes that incorporated sun-dried tomatoes. To my delight, she shared with me a family recipe for Cream of Sun-dried Tomato Soup that had been passed down through the generations.

Maria's recipe was simple yet elegant, calling for just a handful of ingredients including onions, garlic, chicken broth, and of course, the star of the show - sun-dried tomatoes. I followed her instructions carefully, sautéing the onions and garlic until they were soft and fragrant before adding in the tomatoes and broth.

As the soup simmered on the stove, the aroma of the sun-dried tomatoes filled my kitchen, transporting me back to that sunny day at the farmers market. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product, and when I finally ladled myself a steaming bowl of Cream of Sun-dried Tomato Soup, I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special.

The soup was rich and velvety, with a deep tomato flavor that was both sweet and savory. The sun-dried tomatoes added a burst of intense umami, balancing out the creamy broth perfectly. I couldn't believe how such a simple dish could pack such a punch of flavor, and I knew that this recipe would quickly become a staple in my cooking repertoire.

I shared the Cream of Sun-dried Tomato Soup with my family and friends, who all raved about its delicious taste. They couldn't believe that something so gourmet could be made with just a few basic ingredients, and they begged me to share the recipe with them.

And so, I passed on Maria's recipe for Cream of Sun-dried Tomato Soup to all who asked, spreading the joy of this delectable dish far and wide. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that fateful day at the farmers market, and I am grateful for the serendipitous encounter that led me to discover this culinary gem.

In the years that followed, I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding my own personal touches and variations to suit my taste. Sometimes I would throw in a handful of fresh basil for a burst of herbal freshness, or a dollop of creamy goat cheese for a tangy twist.

But no matter how I tweaked the recipe, the core essence of the Cream of Sun-dried Tomato Soup remained the same - a comforting, flavorful bowl of goodness that never failed to bring a smile to my face. And I knew that as long as I had a jar of sun-dried tomatoes in my pantry, I would always be able to whip up a batch of this beloved soup to warm both body and soul.