4Bs Tomato Soup: Copycat Recipe

Step into the heartwarming world of comfort food with our beloved 4Bs Tomato Soup recipe.

This rich and creamy delight is more than just a soup; it’s a cherished piece of Montana’s culinary history, handed down through generations. Inspired by the legendary 4Bs restaurant, this homemade tomato soup is a labor of love, crafted with real butter, heavy cream, and the goodness of canned tomatoes.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Here are three reasons why people will love the 4Bs Tomato Soup recipe:

1. Homemade Goodness: This recipe offers a taste of nostalgia and homemade goodness. It’s a comforting and rich tomato soup made from scratch, using real butter, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Many people appreciate the warmth and flavor of homemade soups over canned alternatives, making it a perfect choice for those who crave authentic, home-cooked meals.
2. Creamy and Delicious: The creamy texture of this tomato soup is a real crowd-pleaser. The combination of heavy cream and butter gives it a luxurious and velvety consistency. The diced tomatoes add a burst of fresh tomato flavor, while the sugar and onion enhance the overall taste. The result is a satisfying, well-balanced soup that’s sure to delight the taste buds.
3. Legacy and Nostalgia: The recipe’s connection to 4-B’s, a legendary restaurant in Montana, adds a layer of nostalgia and tradition to the dish. Sharing the story of Mr. Hainline, one of the original owners, brings a personal touch to the recipe, making it more than just a meal. People often appreciate recipes with a history and a sense of place, and this tomato soup embodies the flavors and memories of Montana.

In summary, people will love this 4-B’s Tomato Soup recipe for its homemade taste, creamy texture, and the nostalgic connection to a beloved Montana institution. It’s a recipe that offers both comfort and a taste of tradition, making it a go-to choice for homemade tomato soup lovers.

What ingredients do you need to make 4-B’s Tomato Soup

1. Diced Tomatoes (canned): Canned diced tomatoes are a staple in many recipes. They provide a rich, tomato flavor and a slightly chunky texture to the soup. The canned variety is convenient and preserves the freshness of the tomatoes, making it easy to enjoy the taste of ripe tomatoes year-round.
2. Chicken Broth: Chicken broth is a savory liquid made by simmering chicken bones, meat, and vegetables. It adds depth and a subtle chicken flavor to the soup, enhancing its overall taste. It also contributes to the soup’s liquid base and helps create a harmonious balance of flavors.
3. Butter: Butter is a key ingredient in this recipe, providing a rich and creamy texture to the soup. It adds a luxurious and indulgent quality to the dish. Butter also lends a subtle richness and a hint of savory flavor that complements the tomatoes and cream.
4. Sugar: Sugar is used in the recipe to add a touch of sweetness. This sweetness helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a more well-rounded and appealing flavor profile. It enhances the overall taste without making the soup overly sweet.
5. Chopped Onion: Chopped onion adds aromatic depth and a mild, savory-sweet flavor to the soup. It’s often used as a flavor base in many soup recipes. In this case, the onion contributes to the complexity of the soup’s taste, providing a subtle yet essential element.
6. Baking Soda: Baking soda is a surprising ingredient in tomato soup, as it helps neutralize the acidity of the tomatoes. This can result in a smoother and less tangy soup. It’s used sparingly to ensure the soup maintains a balanced acidity level.
7. Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is responsible for the creamy and luscious texture of the tomato soup. It adds richness and thickness, making the soup velvety and indulgent. Heavy cream also contributes to the overall comfort and satisfaction of the dish.

Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in creating the unique flavor, texture, and balance of the 4Bs Tomato Soup, making it a beloved and comforting dish.

Substitutions

1. Vegetable Broth for Chicken Broth: If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan version of this soup, you can easily substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. Vegetable broth provides a similar savory base without the use of animal products. It will still enhance the flavor of the soup while making it suitable for a broader range of dietary preferences.
2. Coconut Cream for Heavy Cream: For a dairy-free alternative or a unique twist on the recipe, you can replace heavy cream with coconut cream. Coconut cream is rich and creamy, similar to heavy cream, but it adds a subtle coconut flavor to the soup. This substitution can give your tomato soup a tropical and exotic twist, appealing to those who enjoy coconut-infused dishes.

These substitutions can help adapt the recipe to dietary restrictions or personal preferences while maintaining the essence of the soup’s taste and texture.

Customizations

Here are three customizations and variations for the 4Bs Tomato Soup recipe to add some creative twists:

Spicy Tomato Soup:

• Customization: To give your tomato soup a spicy kick, add ingredients like crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the simmering tomato mixture. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of heat.
• Variation: Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped scallions to balance the heat and add a cooling contrast.

Roasted Tomato and Basil Soup:

• Customization: Roast fresh tomatoes in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they caramelize and develop a smoky flavor. Blend these roasted tomatoes into the soup mixture for a deeper and more intense tomato taste.
• Variation: Stir in freshly chopped basil leaves just before serving for a fragrant and herbaceous twist. Grated Parmesan cheese can also be added as a garnish for extra flavor.

Mushroom and Tomato Bisque:

• Customization: Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter until they are tender and golden brown. Add them to the tomato soup during the simmering process to create a creamy mushroom and tomato bisque.
• Variation: For an earthy and savory touch, incorporate a splash of dry white wine while sautéing the mushrooms. Finish the soup with a drizzle of truffle oil or a sprinkle of grated Gruyère cheese for an indulgent twist.

These customizations and variations offer diverse flavor profiles and can cater to different preferences, whether you’re looking for a spicy kick, a fresh herbaceous note, or a rich and savory mushroom-infused soup. Feel free to experiment and make the recipe your own.

How to refrigerate, freeze and thaw

Certainly, here’s how to properly refrigerate, freeze, and thaw 4-B’s Tomato Soup:

Refrigerating Tomato Soup:

1. Allow the Tomato Soup to Cool: Before refrigerating, make sure your soup has cooled down to room temperature. Hot soup can raise the temperature inside the refrigerator and affect other stored foods.
2. Store in an Airtight Container: Transfer the tomato soup to an airtight container or a sealable plastic or glass container. Ensure the container is large enough to hold the soup with some headspace to prevent spillage as it expands while cooling.
3. Label and Date: It’s a good practice to label the container with the date when you made the soup. This helps you keep track of its freshness.
4. Refrigerate: Place the sealed container in the refrigerator. Store it in the coldest part of the fridge, typically the back, to maintain a consistent temperature.
5. Consume or Freeze Promptly: Homemade tomato soup can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Beyond this time, it’s advisable to freeze it for longer storage.

Freezing Tomato Soup:

1. Cool the Soup: Allow the tomato soup to cool to room temperature if it’s not already there. Rapidly cooling it can help preserve the quality.
2. Portion and Package: If you don’t plan to use the entire batch at once, consider portioning the soup into smaller containers or freezer-safe bags. This makes it easier to defrost only the amount you need.
3. Remove Air: If using bags, squeeze out excess air to minimize freezer burn. If using containers, leave some space at the top for the soup to expand as it freezes.
4. Seal and Label: Seal the containers or bags tightly and label them with the date. This makes it easier to identify and use older batches first.
5. Freeze: Place the sealed containers or bags in the freezer. It’s a good idea to lay bags flat until they’re frozen solid to save space.

Thawing Tomato Soup:

1. Refrigerator Thawing: The safest method for thawing tomato soup is to transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator. This slow thawing process helps maintain the soup’s quality and safety. Depending on the quantity, it may take 24 hours or more to thaw completely.
2. Stovetop Reheating: Once thawed, reheat the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. This helps redistribute the flavors and ensure even heating. Add additional seasonings or cream if needed.
3. Microwave Thawing: If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave’s defrost function to thaw smaller portions of soup. Use a microwave-safe container and follow the microwave’s instructions for defrosting. Be sure to stir the soup and check for hot spots.
4. Do Not Refreeze: Once the soup is fully thawed, do not refreeze it unless you’ve cooked it again (e.g., made a new batch of soup with it).

By following these steps, you can safely refrigerate, freeze, and thaw your tomato soup while preserving its flavor and quality.

What to serve with this tomato soup

Here are four delicious side dishes that pair well with 4Bs Tomato Soup:

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Classic grilled cheese sandwiches are the perfect sidekick to tomato soup. They’re simple to make and offer a wonderful combination of gooey cheese and crispy bread that complements the soup’s creamy texture and tomato flavor.
2. Garlic Bread: Garlic bread is a delightful side dish that goes hand in hand with tomato soup. Slices of baguette or Italian bread are buttered, toasted, and infused with garlic and herbs, creating a savory and crunchy accompaniment.
3. Mixed Greens Salad: A fresh mixed greens salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the tomato soup. Choose a variety of greens like spinach, arugula, and romaine, and toss them with your favorite vinaigrette or creamy dressing.
4. Roasted Vegetable Medley: A medley of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus, is a healthy and colorful side dish that complements the soup. Roasting vegetables caramelizes their natural sugars and enhances their flavors.

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4-Bs Tomato Soup

Step into the heartwarming world of comfort food with our beloved 4-Bs Tomato Soup copycat recipe. It’s super easy to make!

Ingredients

• 1 28 oz can of diced tomatoes
• 1 1/4 Cup chicken broth
• 3 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoon onion chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 3/4 Cups heavy cream warm

Instructions

• Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent. Add the tomatoes, sugar, chicken broth, and baking soda. Cook for 1 hour.
• Remove form heat and slowly mix in the heavy cream. Serve.