Chilled Fresh Tomato Soup
A refreshing chilled tomato soup with fresh basil and garlic, perfect for hot days and served as an elegant starter or light lunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash tomatoes and place on a cookie sheet.
- Add onion halves and roast in a preheated 400°F oven for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Cool the roasted tomatoes and onions.
- Transfer tomatoes to a bowl, catching juices, then slip off skins and reserve juices.
- In two batches, puree tomatoes and onions in a food processor until very smooth.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy soup kettle.
- Saute garlic until soft, then add pureed tomatoes and reserved juices.
- Stir in chicken broth and salt.
- Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream.
- Chill the soup until cold.
- In a food processor, puree basil and 1/2 cup of olive oil to make basil oil.
- Serve the soup garnished with basil puree drizzled over each bowl.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the tomatoes are well-roasted before pureeing. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative. Fresh tomatoes provide the best flavor, but canned tomatoes can be used in a pinch. Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar can enhance the soup's depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chilled soup in bowls with a drizzle of basil oil for a touch of elegance. This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad, such as a Mediterranean salad, for a refreshing meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Chicken Breasts With Feta Cheese.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover tomato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to preserve the cream's texture. The basil oil can be stored separately for up to a week.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chilled Fresh Tomato Soup contains roughly 170 calories, with 3g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1287mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes! To make this chilled fresh tomato soup vegan, simply omit the heavy cream or replace it with coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute. You can also replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a fully plant-based dish without sacrificing flavor.
How can I enhance the flavor of the soup?
To boost the flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a splash of white wine when sautéing the garlic. Fresh herbs like oregano or thyme can also complement the tomatoes beautifully. For a unique twist, try incorporating a hint of smoked paprika.
Is it necessary to roast the tomatoes?
Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavor that raw tomatoes lack. If short on time, you can skip roasting, but the soup may not have the same rich taste. For the best results, roasting is recommended.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).