Chilled Tomato Soup With Basil Sorbet
A refreshing chilled tomato soup with fragrant basil sorbet, perfect for summer gatherings. Rich, tangy, and cooling, it suits those seeking a sophisticated yet light appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 leek, chopped ⓘ
- 3 to 3 1/2 lb. fresh tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 1 orange rind, grated ⓘ
- 1 to 2 drops Tabasco
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
- 2 c. water
- 1 c. chicken stock ⓘ
- 1 bouquet garni (basil, thyme, parsley, chives, summer savory, dill) ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. heavy cream ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large saucepan.
- Add the chopped onion, leek, and carrots.
- Cook over medium heat for 8 minutes until soft and clear, but not browned.
- Add chopped tomatoes, grated orange rind, Tabasco, salt, pepper, water, and chicken stock.
- Make a bouquet garni by tying herbs in a square of cheesecloth.
- Put the bouquet garni into the saucepan.
- Cover and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes over a low flame.
- Discard the bouquet garni and set the tomato mixture aside to cool.
- Once cooled, puree the mixture in a blender or food processor.
- Add the heavy cream and stir well.
- Chill the soup before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the tomato mixture is well pureed before adding the heavy cream. If fresh tomatoes are not available, canned tomatoes can be used as a substitute. Adjust the spice level by using more or fewer drops of Tabasco. For added depth, consider incorporating herbs from Mediterranean recipes like thyme or oregano.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chilled tomato soup in bowls and top with a scoop of basil sorbet for a unique twist. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. This soup pairs beautifully with Savory Veal Chops or a light salad for a complete meal. It's perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing starter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid boiling to preserve the creamy texture. You can also serve it cold directly from the fridge for a refreshing dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chilled Tomato Soup With Basil Sorbet contains roughly 250 calories, with 7g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value) and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1304mg per serving (57% 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 in advance?
Yes, this chilled tomato soup can be made a day ahead. Just prepare it, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the taste when served the next day.
Is it possible to make this soup vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegan, replace the butter with olive oil and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. You can also substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative for a similar texture.
What can I serve with chilled tomato soup?
Pair your chilled tomato soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a light meal. It also complements appetizers like bruschetta or Mediterranean recipes, adding a refreshing contrast to rich flavors.
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).