Hearty Tomato & Wine Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl
Are you looking for a quick and easy soup recipe that’s both healthy and delicious? Look no further than my Light Tomato and Wine Soup Recipe. This recipe combines the richness of tomatoes with the subtle flavors of dry white wine, creating a soup that’s perfect for any occasion.
Tomatoes are a versatile ingredient, commonly used in sauces, salads, and soups. They’re also packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making them a nutrient-dense addition to any dish. When combined with white wine, they create a unique flavor profile that’s both savory and refreshing.
In this recipe, I’ve opted for canned whole tomatoes to make preparation easier, but you can certainly use fresh tomatoes if you prefer. Additionally, the addition of onion, chicken broth, and fresh basil adds depth to the soup’s flavor while bringing out the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly evening or simply want to switch up your usual lunch routine, my Light Tomato and Wine Soup is sure to satisfy. With its combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors, it’s a soup recipe that’s hard to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you are a fan of tomato soup, then you must try this light and flavorful tomato and wine soup recipe. The blend of juicy whole tomatoes, tomato paste, dry white wine, chicken broth, and fresh basil creates a rich body with a touch of tanginess.
Not only is this soup quick and easy to make – it’s also healthy! This recipe does not require cream or butter to thicken the soup, but it still has a smooth consistency. Plus, the addition of baking soda softens the acidity of the tomatoes so that the flavors are balanced out perfectly.
The fragrant aroma of garlic and onions sautéed in olive oil will fill your kitchen as you make this savory soup. You will love the texture of the diced tomatoes and the bright flavor from a hint of lemon juice once it’s cooked together with the broth.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is! You can pair it with different types of dishes for different occasions. If you want to enjoy it for lunch alone, serve it with crusty bread that soaks up all the yummy goodness. If you’re feeling fancy, add steamed mussels or pan-seared fish for an elegant dinner dish. I personally love making a grilled cheese sandwich to eat alongside this delicious soup.
You won’t be disappointed by trying out this homemade tomato soup recipe. It’s much healthier than canned tomato soups or pasta sauces and you get to control the ingredients. It’s easy to make in large batches too – perfect for meal prepping or for feeding a group of friends or family.
Once you taste the balance of flavors in this soup and experience how filling it can be without leaving you feeling heavy, you’ll never want to go back to other tomato soups again!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious and light tomato and wine soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (28 ounces) whole tomatoes, drained and crushed by hand
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (optional, to reduce acidity)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Note that you can use either canned or fresh tomatoes for this recipe. If using fresh tomatoes, you’ll need about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped.
Also, feel free to use a different type of broth instead of chicken broth. Vegetable broth works well as a vegan alternative.
Keep in mind that the baking soda is optional but recommended if you want to reduce the acidity of the soup. It’s also important not to skip the sugar since it balances the flavors.
Lastly, don’t forget to have some crusty bread on hand for dipping into this delicious soup!
The Recipe How-To
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious light tomato and wine soup:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 can of tomatoes or 4 large fresh tomatoes, coarsely chopped
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- ½ cup of white wine
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for serving
Instructions:
-
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft and translucent, around 5 minutes.
-
Add tomato paste and stir for about a minute. Then, add canned tomatoes that are coarsely chopped or chopped fresh tomatoes to the pot. Cook them for roughly another minute.
-
Pour in chicken broth, then add white wine with sugar and baking soda. You’ll notice a fizz; this is the baking soda reacting with the acidity from the tomatoes.
-
Bring everything to boil before reducing the heat to allow your soup to simmer for around thirty minutes.
-
Take your pan off the heat and let it cool down for a while before using a handheld blender to purée it to a smooth consistency for sleekness.
-
Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
-
Serve warm topped with fresh basil leaves.
Enjoy this flavorful and healthy soup by itself or paired with seafood dishes like steamed mussels in white wine or pan-seared cod in a white wine tomato basil sauce—it won’t disappoint!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to switch up the ingredients in this Light Tomato and Wine Soup recipe? Here are a few suggestions for substitutes and variations:
– Tomato paste: If you don’t have tomato paste on hand, you can use canned tomato sauce or diced tomatoes instead. Just note that the flavor and texture may be slightly different.
– Dry white wine: For a sweet twist, try using a dessert white wine instead. Alternatively, for a heartier soup, opt for a medium-bodied red wine.
– Chicken broth: If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth can be used instead. For a fish soup variation, substitute seafood stock or clam juice.
– Fresh basil: If fresh basil is not available, use dried basil instead. Alternatively, fresh parsley or thyme can be used to add an herbaceous twist to your soup.
– Onion: Swap the onion with leeks to create a sweeter flavor. Or use shallots if you want a more delicate flavor.
– Whole Tomatoes: You can also substitute whole tomatoes with Roasted Tomatoes or Cherry Tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
– Pasta Sauce: If you prefer a creamier tomato soup, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the recipe.
Experimentation is key when it comes to cooking. Don’t be afraid to try new ingredients and create your unique version of this healthy and flavorful soup. And always remember to let your palate be your guide when it comes to balancing flavors in your dishes!
Serving and Pairing
This Light Tomato and Wine Soup is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of dishes. It is light and flavorful, making it an excellent starter for any meal.
To complement the tomato-based soup, pair it with a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Pinot Noir. In contrast, for those who prefer white wine, a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay would be an excellent match.
For a fuller meal, serve the soup with crusty bread or grilled cheese. It will add another layer of flavor and texture to the dish while satisfying your appetite. For a lighter meal, serve the soup with steamed mussels or pan-seared codfish in wine tomato basil sauce.
The soup also complements pasta dishes incredibly well. You can use it as a base for creamy tomato pasta sauce, and it will give it a unique flavor touch. To take the pairing even further, try pairing this Light Tomato and Wine Soup with an authentic tomato bisque soup, creating the ultimate ode to tomato flavors.
Overall, this healthy soup offers versatility and style to any menu while providing you with delightful culinary experiences that will let you indulge without sacrificing your health.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Light Tomato and Wine Soup recipe is perfect for meal prepping or making ahead of time. You can easily store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or freeze it for later use.
To reheat this soup, simply warm it up on medium heat in a pot on the stovetop. If you find that the soup has thickened up too much after being stored in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Be sure to give the soup a good stir while reheating to ensure even heating throughout.
If you plan on freezing this tomato and wine soup, make sure to let it cool down completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers. This will prevent any ice crystals from forming inside the soup once it starts freezing, which can alter the texture and flavor of your dish.
When you are ready to serve, take out one or two portions from the freezer and thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat as instructed above or defrost in the microwave for a quick fix in minutes.
This soup is versatile and easy to customize based on your own preferences or dietary needs. You can add steamed mussels or pieces of pan-seared cod to make it a fish soup, or pasta sauce for a heartier tomato-based stew. Plus, with its mild acidity and fruity finish, this soup pairs perfectly with either a crisp white wine or medium-bodied red wine at dinner time – making it an ideal cozy winter meal.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your tomato and wine soup turns out perfect every time, here are some tips to keep in mind while making it:
1. Use quality ingredients – Fresh tomatoes, basil leaves and a good dry white wine make all the difference in the taste of the soup. Avoid using canned tomatoes if possible.
2. Add baking soda – Adding a pinch of baking soda while cooking the soup can help reduce the acidity of the tomatoes and make them sweeter.
3. Roast the tomatoes – Roasting your tomatoes before adding them to the soup can give it a richer, smokier flavor.
4. Use lemon juice – A little bit of lemon juice can add some extra tang and brightness to the soup.
5. Experiment with wine pairings – Feel free to experiment with different types of white or medium-bodied red wines that complement the flavors of the soup.
6. Serve with crusty bread – A warm slice of crusty bread is a perfect accompaniment for this hearty soup.
7. Don’t overcook – Overcooking the soup can cause it to become too thick and lose its lightness.
8. Use an immersion blender – Using an immersion blender can make it easier to blend and puree the ingredients without having to transfer everything to a separate blender.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to create a delicious and satisfying tomato and wine soup every time you make it.
FAQ
Now that you know how to make a delicious light tomato and wine soup, it’s time to answer some common questions that might pop up during the cooking process. Whether you’re wondering about substitutions or storing leftovers, these frequently asked questions will provide you with helpful tips and insights to ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time. So without further ado, let’s dive into the FAQs.
What wine is best for tomato soup?
When it comes to pairing wines with Tomato Soup, some wines are better suited than others. Acidic red wines like Barbera, Dolcetto, Valpolicella Classico, and Beaujolais Villages perfectly complement the dish’s light and tangy flavor. On the other hand, crisp and herbal white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Verdejo also make an excellent accompaniment to Tomato Soup.
Why do you put baking soda in tomato soup?
Tomato-based dishes like soup, sauce, or chili pack quite a punch when it comes to acidity. However, there is a helpful ingredient that can mitigate the tanginess of tomatoes, which is baking soda. Adding baking soda not only reduces the acidic taste of tomatoes but also enables you to add milk to your soup without spoiling it.
Does red wine go well in tomato soup?
When it comes to matching wine with dishes featuring tomato soup, it’s important to go for a medium-bodied red wine that can perfectly complement the meal. Chianti is one such wine that can add an excellent flavor to tomato-based treats. The wine’s red fruit notes, earthiness, and refreshing acidity make it a perfect pairing with dishes that include tomato in them. Merlot can also make an excellent accompaniment with its fruity and plumy notes, providing a great balance to the soup’s flavors.
Should you add white wine to soup?
Wine is a versatile beverage that has many culinary uses. Whether it’s a red or white, both types of wine can enhance the taste of soups, stews and sauces, as well as be used to braise meat dishes. In addition to these traditional uses, wine can also be used to make poached eggs or fish, steam shellfish or even cook pasta. Such dishes acquire distinct flavors and unique aromas when wine is incorporated in the preparation.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Light Tomato and Wine Soup recipe is the perfect addition to your healthy soup collection! With its combination of fresh ingredients, including whole tomatoes and white wine, it offers a unique and sophisticated twist to the classic tomato soup recipe. The touch of lemon juice and sugar balances out the flavors perfectly while the fresh basil adds a fragrant and herbaceous aroma.
Additionally, this wine tomato soup is incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite seafood, like steamed mussels or pan-seared cod in white wine tomato basil sauce. Or pair it with a crusty bread for a quick and easy lunchtime meal.
But perhaps the best part about this soup recipe is that it’s also vegan-friendly! Simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it completely plant-based. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up those canned tomatoes or tomato paste that you have lying around.
So next time you’re craving a creamy tomato bisque or roasted tomato basil soup, try this light tomato and wine soup instead! Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite white wine or medium-bodied red and enjoy a delicious meal in the comfort of your own home.
Light Tomato and Wine Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup minced onion
- 1/3 cup slivered fresh basil
- 3 tablespoons chicken stock, defatted
- 3 cups chicken broth, defatted
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (red works too)
- 5 medium whole tomatoes, peeled and pureed (~ 14 oz. canned diced tomatoes)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Sauté onion and basil in 3 T. of stock until stock evaporates.
- Add the broth, wine, tomato purée, sugar, tomato paste, and lemon juice.
- Cook 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found