Fresh Tomato Veloute Soup Recipe

This tomato soup is my go-to comfort food because it perfectly marries the rich flavors of ripe tomatoes with the creamy decadence of heavy cream, creating a soul-warming experience in every spoonful. Plus, there’s something magical about the way fresh basil adds a refreshing touch, making each bowl feel like a cozy hug with a hint of gourmet flair.

Bask in the velvety hug of my Fresh Tomato Velouté Soup, where plump tomatoes meet a mellow blend of garlic and onion, set off by a nearly undetectable drizzle of sherry, a taste-transforming ingredient if ever there was one. If you’re not in the habit of adding sugar to savory foods, now is the time to start, because you simply must counterbalance the natural acidity of the tomatoes to get to the next level of delicious.

Ingredients

Olive oil: A fat that is healthy for the heart and helps with the absorption of flavors.

Onion: Provides richness and depth, sweetness and an abundance of antioxidants.

Garlic: Boosts flavor and provides immune-enhancing benefits.

Tomatoes: Rich in vitamins A and C, they offer a sweetness with a punch.

Broth made from vegetables or chicken: Low-calorie foundation that amps up the taste.

Tomato Paste: Intensifies the flavor of tomatoes and thickens the soup.

Whipping Cream: Enriches and gives a velvety smooth texture.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a big saucepan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced onion and sauté until tender and clear, approximately 5 minutes.

2. Combine the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute, until aromatic.

3. Place the diced tomatoes into the pot. Stir them into the mixture of onions and garlic.

4. Add the vegetable or chicken broth, then incorporate the tomato paste and sugar. Stir everything together well.

5. Add salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.

6. The mixture should be boiled and then simmered for about 20 minutes. The heat must be reduced to low. The final product must have the tomatoes very soft.

7. Take the pot off the heat and let it cool for a bit. Using an immersion blender, make the soup smooth. Or, in batches, put the soup in a blender and make it smooth.

8. Put the soup back into the pot and put it on low heat. Add the heavy cream and stir. Do not boil; heat it gently, so it doesn’t lose its nature as a soup.

9. Sample the soup and, if needed, revise the seasonings, adding more salt and pepper if you so wish.

10. It is a delight to consume the soup when it is warm. The final touches before serving soup consist of ladling it into bowl after bowl. It is beautiful to behold. What makes it fresh and inviting, and what makes one want to reach for the spoon and dive headfirst into it, is the basil. Basil that just moments ago was a bunch of leaves tied together. Basil that now, having been cleavered and minced, is somehow juicier and more pungent than its unharmed forebears.

Equipment Needed

1. Large saucepan
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Measuring spoons
4. Chef’s knife
5. Cutting board
6. Immersion blender or countertop blender
7. Ladle
8. Soup bowls

FAQ

• Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh? Yes, you can substitute with canned tomatoes, but fresh ripe tomatoes will give the best flavor and texture.
• Is there a non-dairy substitute for heavy cream?Coconut cream or non-dairy milk, such as almond or soy, with a bit of cornstarch for thickening, can be used.
• How can I make the soup spicier?Include a small amount of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to increase the heat.
• Can I make this soup ahead of time?For sure! It has even more deliciousness on Day Two. When you reheat, do it gently and be ready to add the cream right before you serve it.
• What is the best way to blend the soup?A countertop blender is also an option, though an immersion blender is more convenient. Just remember: if you use a countertop blender, work in batches and don’t overfill. More importantly, don’t be reckless with what could easily become scalding-hot (or worse, boiling) liquid.
• What’s the purpose of adding sugar?Balanced against the acidity of the tomatoes, the sweetness of the sugar enhances the flavor of the soup overall.
• Is this soup freezer-friendly?You can freeze it without adding the cream. Add the cream after thawing and reheating.

Substitutions and Variations

1 medium onion, finely chopped: Substitute with 2 shallots, finely chopped.
Minced garlic, 2 cloves: If fresh garlic is unavailable, use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
2 pounds ripe tomatoes, chopped: Substitute with 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) of whole peeled tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Replace with 2 tablespoons of ketchup.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Use 1/2 cup coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

Pro Tips

1. Roast the Tomatoes For richer flavor, consider roasting the tomatoes before adding them to the soup. Simply cut them in half, drizzle with olive oil, and roast in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes. This will enhance their sweetness and add depth to the soup.

2. Add Carrots for Sweetness Incorporating a chopped carrot when sautéing the onions can naturally enhance the sweetness of the soup and balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

3. Use Fresh Herbs While fresh basil is used for garnish, adding a few stems of fresh thyme or oregano while simmering the soup can infuse it with additional layers of flavor. Be sure to remove the stems before blending.

4. Balance with Balsamic Vinegar A splash of balsamic vinegar stirred in just before serving can complement the sweetness of the tomatoes and brighten the overall flavor profile of the soup.

5. Texture Variation For an interesting texture variation, reserve some chopped tomatoes before blending the soup. Add them back into the pot after blending to provide a slightly chunky texture, offering a delightful contrast to the smoothness.