The Magic of Simple Flavors: 5-Ingredient Tomato Soup
Sometimes, the most satisfying meals come from the simplest of recipes. This 5-ingredient tomato soup is a testament to that idea. Inspired by the legendary Marcella Hazan's tomato sauce, this soup is not only incredibly easy to make but also bursts with rich, comforting flavors.
It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in, a quick lunch, or a light dinner. Serve it with a side of crusty garlic bread, a grilled cheese sandwich, or even some pasta for a heartier meal. The options are endless!
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is all about highlighting the quality of just a few ingredients. Using canned San Marzano tomatoes gives a sweet, deep flavor that’s hard to beat. When combined with the richness of butter and the subtle aroma of onion, you get a soup that’s both comforting and delicious. The minimal ingredients mean less time prepping and more time enjoying!
What You’ll Need
- Two 28-ounce cans of San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) of salted butter
- 1 yellow onion, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, smashed (optional)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the canned tomatoes, butter, and onion. If you like, add smashed garlic cloves.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a low bubble over medium heat. Then, reduce heat to low, cover partially with a lid, and let it simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Remove Onion: After simmering, remove the onion chunks using tongs. You can leave the garlic in if you used it.
- Blend: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. The butter will emulsify, creating a creamy, velvety texture.
- Serve: Enjoy your simple, delicious tomato soup with your favorite toppings or sides. Garlic bread, grilled cheese, or even a dollop of pesto are all excellent choices!
Tips and Variations
- Instant Pot Method: For an even easier method, cook all the ingredients in an Instant Pot for 20 minutes, then blend after releasing the pressure.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with 1/2 cup of olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
- Additions: Feel free to experiment with adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of cream at the end for added flavor.
- Garden Tomatoes: If you have an abundance of fresh tomatoes from your garden, you can use them, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount.
The Perfect Pairing
While grilled cheese is the classic companion for tomato soup, don't underestimate the power of warm garlic bread. The crispy texture and garlicky flavor is the perfect contrast to the smooth, comforting soup. Or try adding some pasta directly to the soup!
A Note on San Marzano Tomatoes
San Marzano tomatoes are prized for their thick flesh, sweet flavor, and low seed and water content. If you can find them, they’re worth it! But whole peeled canned tomatoes will also work well.
Enjoy the Simplicity
This 5-ingredient tomato soup is a reminder that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s a recipe that will become a regular in your kitchen, offering comfort and flavor with minimal effort. So, take a cozy moment and enjoy this simple, buttery tomato soup. You deserve it!