Tomato, Orange and Celery Soup

Tomato, Orange and Celery Soup Recipe - Nutritious and Flavorful Meal

| Servings: 4

Introduction

Tomato, Orange, and Celery Soup is a refreshing and flavorful soup that combines the tangy taste of tomatoes with the sweetness of oranges and the crunch of celery. This soup is perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a starter for a dinner party.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional tomato soup, which has been enjoyed for centuries. The addition of oranges and celery adds a unique flavor profile to the soup, making it a refreshing and delicious option for any occasion.

Ingredients

4 oz (113 g) potato, peeled and diced
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 celery stick, chopped
1 large carrot, diced
1.5 lb (680 g) ripe tomatoes, cut in quarters
1 tbsp tomato purée
juice of 0.5 medium-size orange
0.75 pt (355 ml) vegetable stock
1 tsp dried basil
salt and freshly ground black pepper
thin strips of blanched orange rind, for garnish
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped

How to prepare

Heat the oil in a large saucepan and add the onion, potato, garlic, celery, and carrot.
Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
Add the tomatoes and cook for 2 – 3 minutes more, stirring constantly.
Add the tomato purée, orange juice, vegetable stock, and basil.
Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Pass the soup through a sieve to extract skins and pips.
Check the seasoning before reheating gently, serve garnished with the blanched orange rind.

Cook's note

To blanch the orange rind, cover thin strips of peel with boiling water.
Leave for 2 minutes and then drain through a sieve.
The same can be done with other citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, or grapefruit.

Variations

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Substitute the orange juice with lemon juice for a different citrus flavor.
Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are softened before adding the tomatoes to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Blending the soup after cooking and passing it through a sieve will help remove any skins and pips, resulting in a silky smooth consistency.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste before serving, as the sweetness of the oranges may require additional salt or pepper.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup hot with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Blending the soup after cooking will result in a smooth and creamy texture.

- Passing the soup through a sieve will remove any skins or pips for a refined finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute vegetable stock with chicken stock for a richer taste.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this soup in individual bowls garnished with a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this soup with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a light and refreshing beer, such as a wheat beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 150 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Fats: 5g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 3g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and fiber, thanks to the tomatoes, oranges, and celery.

Alergens

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

Summary

This soup is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense option that is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for any meal.

Summary

Tomato, Orange, and Celery Soup is a delicious and nutritious option for a light and refreshing meal. Packed with vitamins and minerals, this soup is a healthy choice that is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy the tangy taste of tomatoes, the sweetness of oranges, and the crunch of celery in every spoonful.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Tomato, Orange and Celery Soup. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, with a vast collection of recipes that she had acquired from various places and people over the years.

One day, while rummaging through her old recipe box, I stumbled upon a yellowed piece of paper with faded handwriting. As I read the ingredients and instructions, I was intrigued by the unusual combination of flavors – tomatoes, oranges, and celery. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I was eager to learn how to make it.

I turned to my grandmother, who was busy chopping vegetables at the kitchen counter, and asked her about the recipe. She smiled, a twinkle in her eye, and began to recount the story of how she came to learn this unique dish.

“It all started many years ago, when I was just a young bride,” she began. “I had moved to a new town with your grandfather, and I was eager to impress him with my cooking skills. One day, while shopping at the local market, I came across a vendor selling fresh tomatoes, oranges, and celery. Intrigued by the colorful display, I struck up a conversation with the vendor and learned about this soup recipe.”

The vendor, a kindly old man with a twinkle in his eye, had shared the recipe with my grandmother, along with tales of his own culinary adventures. He had learned the recipe from a friend who had traveled to a far-off land and brought back the flavors of exotic fruits and vegetables.

Inspired by the story and the promise of a delicious meal, my grandmother had returned home and immediately set to work on making the soup. She chopped the vegetables, simmered them in a pot with fragrant spices, and added the zest and juice of fresh oranges for a touch of sweetness.

As the soup bubbled away on the stove, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma, my grandmother knew she had stumbled upon something special. When she finally ladled out a steaming bowl of the Tomato, Orange and Celery Soup and took her first sip, she was transported to a world of flavors and memories.

From that day on, the soup became a staple in our household, a reminder of the kindness of strangers and the joy of discovering new recipes. My grandmother had perfected the dish over the years, adding her own touch with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a dollop of creamy yogurt.

As she finished her story, my grandmother turned to me with a smile and handed me the faded recipe card. “Now it’s your turn to carry on the tradition,” she said. “Make this soup for your own family and share the story of how it came to be.”

And so, armed with my grandmother’s recipe and her words of wisdom, I set to work in the kitchen, chopping vegetables and simmering spices, just as she had done all those years ago. As the soup bubbled away on the stove, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma, I knew that I was carrying on a legacy of love and culinary creativity that would be passed down for generations to come. And with each spoonful of Tomato, Orange and Celery Soup that I served to my family, I knew that I was honoring the memory of my grandmother and the magical moment when she first laid eyes on this unique recipe.