Hearty Fire Roasted Tomato Soup is a comforting, flavorful soup that uses fire-roasted tomatoes to add a smoky depth and rich complexity to the classic tomato soup. This version is often thickened and made more substantial with ingredients like vegetables, beans, or grains, making it a satisfying meal on its own or a great starter. Here’s a robust recipe for a Hearty Fire Roasted Tomato Soup:
Hearty Fire Roasted Tomato Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (or any white bean)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach or kale (optional)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for added depth)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches
Instructions:
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the diced carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings:
- Stir in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and crushed tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Add the cannellini beans, vegetable or chicken broth, dried basil, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Stir well.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Add Greens and Adjust Flavor:
- If using, stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until wilted.
- Add the balsamic vinegar if using, and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Blend the Soup (Optional):
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth, or carefully transfer batches of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can skip this step.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches.
Tips:
- Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: The fire-roasted tomatoes give the soup its distinct smoky flavor. If you can’t find fire-roasted tomatoes, you can use regular tomatoes and add a touch of smoked paprika for a similar effect.
- Thickening: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend part of the soup or add some cooked rice or pasta.
- Storage: The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
This Hearty Fire Roasted Tomato Soup is perfect for a cozy meal, offering a deep, smoky flavor with a satisfying, robust texture. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and can be customized to suit your preferences. Enjoy!
