Here is an appetizing introduction to the recipe, ranging from 350-500 characters, written before any headings. This slow cooker tomato soup is a delightful blend of fresh tomatoes, herbs, and spices, simmered to perfection to create a comforting bowl of goodness. Perfect for busy days, this recipe allows you to set it and forget it, yielding a rich and flavorful soup that warms the soul. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
– 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, chopped
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup heavy cream (optional)
– Fresh basil for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 6-8 hours on low or 4 hours on high.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cup) contains approximately 200 calories, 8g protein, 12g carbohydrates, 14g fat, and 5g fiber. This is for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté diced onions until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
4. Transfer onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
5. Add chopped tomatoes, vegetable broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Stir ingredients well to combine.
7. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
8. Once cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
9. Stir in heavy cream if desired for a creamier texture.
10. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute fresh tomatoes with canned diced tomatoes if fresh ones are unavailable. For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or omit it altogether for a lighter soup.
Serving and Pairings
This slow cooker tomato soup pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or a light green salad. You can also serve it topped with croutons or a sprinkle of cheese for added flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just be sure to leave some space in the container for expansion.
Cooking Mistakes
– Using unripe tomatoes can lead to a less flavorful soup.
– Forgetting to sauté the onions and garlic can affect the depth of flavor.
– Adding too much salt at once can make the soup overly salty; adjust to taste.
– Not blending the soup can result in a chunky texture if not desired.
– Cooking on high for too long can lead to evaporation of flavors.
– Using low-quality broth can compromise the overall taste.
– Overcooking can alter the fresh tomato flavor.
Helpful Tips
– Use fresh herbs for enhanced flavor.
– Experiment with spices like thyme or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
– For a smoky flavor, add a bit of smoked paprika.
– Make it more filling by adding cooked pasta or rice.
– Top with a dollop of pesto for an extra flavor boost.
– Use a variety of tomatoes for a complex taste.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned tomatoes work well in this recipe. Just be sure to choose high-quality, preferably no-salt-added varieties for the best flavor.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients in this slow cooker tomato soup are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, simply omit the heavy cream or use a plant-based alternative like coconut milk to keep the recipe vegan-friendly.
How can I make the soup spicier?
To add heat, include red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when you add the other ingredients. Adjust according to your spice preference.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen. You can also use it as a sauce for pasta or as a base for other recipes like casseroles.
How do I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, blend in a bit more heavy cream or add a cornstarch slurry during the last hour of cooking.
Can I add vegetables to the soup?
Certainly! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
Conclusion
This slow cooker tomato soup recipe is not only simple and delicious but also versatile and comforting. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner, it brings warmth to any table. Enjoy the rich flavors and textures that make this dish a favorite for families and friends alike.
Slow Cooker Tomato Soup
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ripe tomatoes chopped
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream optional
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté diced onions until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Transfer onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add chopped tomatoes, vegetable broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Stir ingredients well to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Once cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream if desired for a creamier texture.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.