The Soup Days of Late Summer
Better than your Tinned Tomato Soup
~ Home-made Fresh Tomato Soup ~
We are now in the period of what I officially call the Soup Days of Late Summer……you know that time, there’s a glut of tomatoes and you can’t give your marrows away for love nor money, the leaves are starting to dance their way down to earth, you can smell aromatic wood-smoke in the air and the evenings are definitely nippy now ~ plus the mornings are much cooler and darker…….these are the soup days of late summer…..
And on the subject of tomatoes, what better way to kick off the soup season than to use those glut of tomatoes and make a big batch of fresh tomato soup ~ so much better than the tinned/canned sort and also incredibly easy to make too. I love soup all year around, but there is something very elemental and comforting about soup in the cooler months ~ the big pot simmering away on top of the stove, the homely and comforting smells that permeate throughout the home; the smell that promises bowls of steaming hot and fragrant liquid with chunks of crusty bread, plus convivial conversation at the kitchen table later on…..
Soup is the original “sharing” platter or should I say pot ~ a large tureen in the centre of the table with a ladle and a basket of bread is all you really need for a crowd or family ~ anything else such as croutons or cheese is an optional extra, especially if the soup is hearty and the bread chunky. What I love about this recipe is that the tomatoes are not skinned or de-seeded, and as you whizz it all up at the end it all blends into a smooth and almost creamy concoction, even though this is dairy free. You can add whatever herbs rock your soup boat and everyone is happy ~ I personally like this soup sans herbs, but each to his or her own and I imagine that basil would be an obvious choice to add.
My most important recommendation, other than luscious ripe fresh tomatoes, is Marigold Swiss Vegetable Bouillon ~ very high quality vegetable stock powder that also makes a nice hot drink before bedtime ~ it also comes in a low salt/sodium variation, and, TOP chefs often recommend it as their preferred ready-to-use stock. I can’t buy it in France so I bring tubs and tubs of it back with me! If you can’t source this then a good home-made stock would be equally as good.
I made a big batch of this soup up this week and also popped some in the freezer, it freezes very well as there is no milk or cream in it…….which also makes it ideal for those who cannot tolerate dairy products. This would make a STELLAR soup for the children’s lunch box, serve it in a gay and jolly looking flask, and just imagine their little faces when they get their home-made soup out in the lunch hall ~ beats a paste sandwich any day ~ although I do love beef and ham paste as it happens.
So the next time you have a glut of tomatoes or a kind neighbour leaves a ton or two on your doorstop, here is a simple soup to make and it sure beats that tinned/canned tomato soup hands down! Serve with croutons if you wish as I did, I also snipped some fresh chervil over the top for a little herbal taste explosion ~ be bold and brave, any tasty additions are in your hands ~ and don’t forget the bread.Printable Recipe here
Better than your Tinned Tomato Soup
~ Home-made Fresh Tomato Soup ~
(Serves 4-6)
Ingredients:
1 large onion, peeled and cut into small pieces
1 large potato, peeled and cut into small chunks
4 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 kilo (2.2lbs) fresh tomatoes, cut into quarters
450ml (3/4 pint) hot vegetable stock, made with good quality stock cube/powder such as Marigold Swiss vegetable bouillon
2 teaspoons sugar
salt and black pepper
chopped herbs of your choice, optional
Method:
Place the chopped onion, potato, garlic and tomatoes into a large pan and then add the olive oil ~ stir thoroughly. Place over medium heat with the lid on and cook for 10 minutes, stirring now and then, or until the tomatoes have released their juice, season with salt and pepper and add the hot stock and sugar.
Replace the lid and turn the heat down to low and then cook for about 45 minutes or until all the vegetables are soft. Allow to cool slightly and then add your herbs if using. Blend the whole soup until smooth with a hand held immersion blender, or pour into a blender and liquidise. Reheat gently and check seasoning; ladle into warmed soup bowls and add croutons if using and freshly chopped herbs. Serve with miles and miles of crusty bread.
That’s all from the Lavender and Lovage soup kitchen today, see you all tomorrow.
Karen
Marie says
We never eat tinned tomato soup anymore. The Toddster was never overly fond of it anyways. I always make it from scratch now. It's so easy to do! Yours looks wonderful. Did you get my message on facebook? Happy Thursday. xxoo
A Trifle Rushed says
What a splendid soup, we have lots of local producers who sell their excess tomatoes for next to nothing. I'd love to make a big batch and freeze it, but we leave on September 4th, so it will have to be a small fresh batch. Wonderful after a swim in the sea!
Noeleen says
I could definitely sit down to a bowl of that and a nicely grilled cheese sandwich. Makes for a very satisfying meal. YUM!
Karen S Booth says
Marie ~ thanks! For such a small outlay the results are phenomenal in fresh tomato soup! No,I did not get your message on FaceBook ~ did you get my email?
Karen
Karen S Booth says
A Trifle Rushed ~ is that your French summer nearly over then? Do you come back during the autumn half term? And you are still swimming in the sea, mind you by September it has warmed up considerably!
Karen
Karen S Booth says
Noeleen ~ Thanks,yes, a cheese sandwich, the toasted variety would be great with this!
Karen
Brownieville Girl says
Looks totally delicious Karen – I just love tomato soup (even the stuff in the red tin!!!)
Wish I knew someone with a glut of tomatoes – I'd be happy to help out!!!!
La Table De Nana says
Looks so good..We make fresh too..
Wonder if a store here would have Marigold Bouquet?
And English specialty store maybe?:)
You're busy Karen? I wonder why:)
Heather says
Oh yum….this looks so good. I'm planning tomato soup tonight but alas, its not homemade! I need to try this! Unfortunately its been a terrible year here for tomatoes. So hot this summer that many people's plants never had a fruit. I know mine havent. I need to try this soup though! I love a good soup especially in the autumn. you're always full of inspiration!
Oh, and I'm planning on starting your painting very soon! I've got sketches finished. Let me know if you have any other ideas!~
Inspired by eRecipeCards says
WHERE ARE ALL THESE FREE TOMATOES PEOPLE ARE GETTING???
I must have read about too many tomatoes from half a dozen bloggers today!!!
I need better friends
carolinajewel says
I am sort of embarrassed to admit I have never made homemade tomato soup! Yours looks delicious and I will have to try it! Thanks for the idea.
Working london mummy says
Very nice – I love tomato soup and have not made it for ages. will have to give it a go again with a good batch!
Torviewtoronto says
refreshing soup love it
Amanda says
What a lovely simple soup. I especially like that I don't need to peel or deseed the tomatoes – I'm quite lazy, really!
I wonder how much more wonderful this would be if the vegetables were roasted first, rather than cooked on the the stove top?
I'll be keeping this one up my sleeve for when tomatoes come back into season here, thanks.
Cathy at Wives with Knives says
There is nothing better than tomato soup made with vine ripened tomatoes. I like the addition of a potato to the mix because I imagine that it gives the soup a little bit of "body". I think I will add some of the fresh basil growing in my yard. Lovely recipe, Karen. Can't wait to try it.
Karen S Booth says
THANKS all of you ~ I could not access the comments until now, so I am way behind in replies!
Amanda ~ I feel sure that roasted tomatoes would be wonderful.
Heather ~ thanks! Will email over the w/end!
THANKS darlinks!
Karen
Karen S Booth says
Brownieville Girl ~ I also love tinned soup too!
Monique ~ I am sure you could get it in an English speciality shop yes….
Dave ~ YOU MISSED the freebies! LOL!
CarolinaJewel ~ try this I am sure you will love it!
Working London Mummy ~ many thanks ~ give it a go when you have time!
Torviewtoronto ~ merci!
Cathy ~ basil would be my choice of herb too, and the potato DOES give it body and make it creamy somehow!
Karen