When it gets chilly, there’s nothing like a bowl of tomato soup to warm you up. And this year, why not spice up your tomato soup with delicious and flavorful spices? From curry powder to smoked paprika, these spices will add a new flavor to your soup.
Soup is one of the most versatile dishes out there.
You can make it with simple ingredients, and it’s always a comforting meal.
In this blog post, I will show you how to make the best tomato soup enhanced with spices. Not only will this soup be flavorful, but it will also be healthy and nutritious!
So get ready to cozy up to a bowl of this goodness.
Let ‘s get started!
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The benefits of spices in tomato soup
Tomato soup is a classic comfort food you can enjoy all year round.
While it’s typically made with just a few simple ingredients, adding spices can take this dish to the next level.
Not only will they add flavor, but they can also boost the soup’s nutritional value.
Spices such as curry powder, cumin, and smoked paprika contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
This means they can help boost your immune system and fight off sickness.
In addition, these spices can also help to improve digestion and aid in weight loss.
Read our post 10 minutes Sundried Tomato Crostini
Tips on how to select and use spices in tomato soup
When selecting spices for your soup, it’s important to choose ones that will complement the other flavors in the dish.
Basically, try to select spices that are earthy, fragrant, and slightly sweet.
When adding spices to soup, start with a small amount and add more as needed.
This will help prevent the soup from becoming too spicy or overpowering. You can always add more later if needed.
Many spices can be added directly to the soup pot, but some may need to be ground first.
That ‘s it! Now you’re ready to spice up your next bowl of tomato soup!
Read our post Is Miso Soup Keto?
Spices for savory tomato soup
Curry powder
Curry powder is a blend of spices used in various dishes, including soup.
It typically contains ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, and chili pepper and has a fragrant and slightly spicy flavor.
Curry powder is an excellent choice for adding flavor to a classic tomato soup.
It pairs well with the earthy sweetness of the tomatoes and adds a touch of spice that helps to enhance the flavor profile.
Curry powder is a good option if you’re looking to add a bit of heat to your soup.
But remember to start with a small amount and add more as needed since it can be pretty potent.
Cumin
Cumin is a spice made from the dried seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant.
It has a warm, earthy flavor and a slightly spicy taste.
Cumin is a popular Middle Eastern, Indian, and Mexican cuisine spice.
Also, it is often used in dishes like falafel, curries, and chili con carne.
In soup, cumin seeds can be used to add flavor and depth.
Smoked paprika
Smoked paprika is made from the dried, smoked pods of the Capsicum annuum plant.
It has a rich, smoky flavor and a slightly sweet taste.
Smoked paprika is a popular spice in Spanish, Mexican, and South American cuisine.
It is added to paella, chili con carne, and mole sauce, also is one of the good spices for tomato soup.
Particularly, smoked paprika can add depth and complexity to the flavor profile of soup.
Bay Leaves
Bay leaves is a popular spice in Italian and French cuisine.
Made from the Laurus nobilis plant leaves it has a fragrant, slightly sweet flavor.
Bay leaves are often used in pasta sauce, soup, and risotto.
In soup, bay leaves can help to add a touch of warmth to the soup.
Black pepper
Black pepper is a popular spice in both Indian and European cuisine. It is made from the dried, crushed berries of the Piper nigrum plant and has a warm, peppery flavor.
In soup, black pepper adds flavor and heat.
Italian seasoning
Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs that typically contains thyme, marjoram, rosemary, and basil. It has a fragrant, herby flavor with a slightly spicy taste.
Also, italian seasoning is a popular spice in Italian cuisine, added to pasta sauce, pizza, and lasagna.
Balsamic vinegar
Balsamic vinegar has a sweet, fruity flavor and a slightly sour taste.
Additionally, it can help to add a touch of acidity to the soup.
Easy Tomato Soup Recipe
So now that we know the benefits of adding spices to our homemade tomato soup, let’s get to the recipe!
Ingredient list:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato puree
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh basil leaves to serve
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, croutons, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Firstly, heat the olive oil to medium heat in a large pot or a Dutch oven.
- Once the oil is hot, add the onion and garlic.
- Secondly, add the diced tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, tomato paste, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes until the flavors have melded together.
- Use an immersion blender or a food processor to process the soup until smooth.
- Add the heavy cream and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Finally, serve the soup with basil leaves and your desired toppings. Enjoy!
As you can see, this recipe is straightforward to follow.
And the best part is that you can adjust the spices to your liking.
So, if you like your soup a little spicier, feel free to add more cayenne pepper.
Or, if you prefer a milder soup, omit it altogether.
You can also use coconut milk instead of cream.
Additionally, if you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use a little bit of garlic powder.
Do you like spicy soups? Read our post Spicy Vegan Pumpkin Soup
What to serve with tomato soup
One of the great things about tomato soup is that it goes well with various dishes.
You could pair it with a simple green salad and some good homemade bread for a light meal.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something heartier, roasted chicken and sweet potatoes would be a delicious option.
And for a truly indulgent meal, why not serve your tomato soup with spices, a grilled cheese sandwich stuffed with bacon and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese?
Read our post How to freeze soup
Tomato soup toppings
You can top your tomato soup in many ways to add extra flavor and texture. One option is to add some croutons.
Eventually, you can make homemade croutons by cutting some stale bread into small cubes or buying them at the grocery store.
Another option is to top your soup with some shredded cheese.
This will add a creamy texture and a bit of saltiness to the soup.
Finally, you could garnish your creamy tomato soup with chopped fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano.
Whatever toppings you choose, they’ll be sure to take your tomato soup to the next level!
FAQS about spices for tomato soup
Sure! Use fresh tomatoes if you have them on hand. If not, canned work fine.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, use canned tomatoes peeled and diced, making them a fast and convenient option for whole tomatoes for soup.
If you have time, feel free to use fresh tomatoes instead.
Just chop them into small pieces so they will cook quickly.
You can use several different types of tomatoes to make tomato soup.
Roma tomatoes, San Marzano tomatoes, and cherry tomatoes are the most famous varieties.
However, you can use any tomato that you like.
Here you can find more nutritional information on tomato.
