Rich Tomato Soup

Saudi Arabian Rich Tomato Soup Recipe with Basil and Buttermilk

Region / culture: Saudi Arabia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Rich Tomato Soup is a classic comfort food that is perfect for any time of year. This creamy and flavorful soup is made with simple ingredients and is easy to prepare.

History

Tomato soup has been a popular dish for centuries, with variations of the recipe found in different cultures around the world. The rich and creamy version of tomato soup that we know today is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century.

Ingredients

0.5 cup chopped onion
0.75 cup green or sweet red pepper
1 tbsp margarine
1.5 tsp fresh snipped basil (or 0.5 tsp crushed dried basil)
0.13 tsp ground red pepper
2 cups tomato juice
1 cup buttermilk
fresh basil leaves or lime slices (optional)

How to prepare

In a small saucepan, cook the onion and green or sweet red pepper in margarine until very tender.
Stir in basil and ground red pepper, if desired.
Cook and stir for 1 minute more.
Remove from heat.
In a blender container, combine the cooked vegetable mixture, tomato juice, and buttermilk.
Cover and blend until smooth.
Return the mixture to the saucepan and heat through.
Alternatively, chill thoroughly.
Garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves or lime slices.

Variations

For a vegan version, you can substitute the buttermilk with coconut milk or almond milk.
Add cooked pasta or rice to make the soup more filling.
Top with croutons or grated cheese for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the onions and peppers until they are very tender to bring out their natural sweetness.

- Blending the soup until smooth will give it a creamy texture.

- For a more intense flavor, you can add a pinch of ground red pepper.

- Garnishing with fresh basil leaves or lime slices adds a fresh and vibrant touch to the soup.

Serving Suggestions

Rich Tomato Soup can be served as a starter or as a main dish with a side of crusty bread or a salad.

Cooking Techniques

Blending the soup until smooth and heating it through ensures a creamy and delicious texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use olive oil instead of margarine for a healthier option. You can also use dried basil instead of fresh basil.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each serving with a drizzle of olive oil, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Rich Tomato Soup pairs well with a grilled cheese sandwich, a Caesar salad, or a simple green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Rich Tomato Soup contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Rich Tomato Soup contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Rich Tomato Soup contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Rich Tomato Soup contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Rich Tomato Soup is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (buttermilk) and may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Summary

Rich Tomato Soup is a nutritious and delicious dish that is low in calories and high in essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Rich Tomato Soup is a creamy and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the rich and comforting flavors of this classic tomato soup recipe!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly remember the moment I discovered this recipe for Rich Tomato Soup. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were falling from the trees, and there was a chill in the air that called for something warm and comforting to eat. I had just finished a long day of work in the kitchen, experimenting with different flavors and techniques, when my dear friend Lucy came over with a basket of fresh tomatoes from her garden.

As we sat at the kitchen table, sipping on cups of steaming hot tea, Lucy began to tell me about her grandmother's famous tomato soup recipe. She described how her grandmother would spend hours in the kitchen, carefully selecting the ripest tomatoes, chopping them into small pieces, and simmering them with herbs and spices until they transformed into a rich and flavorful soup that warmed the soul.

I was captivated by Lucy's description and begged her to share the recipe with me. She smiled and agreed, pulling out a worn and stained recipe card from her pocket. As she read off the ingredients and instructions, I could feel my excitement building. This was no ordinary tomato soup recipe – it was a labor of love, a dish that had been passed down through generations, and I knew that I had to make it my own.

The next day, I gathered all the ingredients I needed – fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, basil, oregano, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a little kick. I spent hours in the kitchen, carefully chopping, sautéing, and simmering the ingredients together, just as Lucy had described. The smell that wafted through the kitchen was intoxicating – a heady mix of tomatoes, herbs, and spices that made my mouth water in anticipation.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the soup was ready. I ladled it into bowls, sprinkled some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top, and served it to my family with crusty bread on the side. The first spoonful was pure magic – rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. My family couldn't get enough, and they declared it the best tomato soup they had ever tasted.

From that moment on, Rich Tomato Soup became a staple in our household. I made it on cold winter nights, when the wind howled outside and the snow fell in thick blankets. I made it on lazy Sunday afternoons, when the sun streamed through the windows and the house was filled with laughter and warmth. And every time I made it, I thought of Lucy and her grandmother, and how their recipe had brought so much joy and comfort into our lives.

Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding a pinch of this or a dash of that to suit my own tastes. But the core of the recipe – the love and care that goes into making it, the memories and stories that it evokes – remains the same. I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing it on like a precious heirloom, and each time I do, I feel a connection to all those who have come before me and all those who will come after.

I am grateful for that crisp autumn day, when Lucy walked into my kitchen with a basket of fresh tomatoes and a story to tell. I am grateful for the recipe she shared with me, for the warmth and comfort it has brought into my life, and for the memories it has created. And as I sit here, sipping on a steaming bowl of Rich Tomato Soup, I can't help but smile and feel grateful for all the blessings that have come my way.