Tuscan Tomato Soup
A hearty Tuscan tomato soup with tender vegetables, fresh herbs, and rich flavors, perfect for comforting meals and easy to customize with fresh or canned tomatoes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a heavy kettle.
- Cook the carrots, onions, and celery for about 20 minutes, or until very tender.
- Add the canned or fresh tomatoes and continue cooking over moderate heat for 25 to 30 minutes longer.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and basil.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for a minute or so longer, then serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using homemade vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the vegetables. You can substitute fresh herbs with dried ones, but use a smaller quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give a delightful kick. To make this soup heartier, consider adding some cooked beans or lentils, making it a great companion to Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tuscan tomato soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping, or pair it with a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It goes wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches or even a slice of Spinach Torta for a delightful contrast in flavors. A drizzle of olive oil on top before serving enhances the taste.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure it cools completely before transferring to the freezer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuscan Tomato Soup contains roughly 1407 calories, with 112g protein, 200g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (564% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (448% of the Daily Value), and protein (225% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1925mg per serving (84% 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 use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used in place of canned tomatoes. Just make sure to peel and seed them before adding to the soup. You may need to cook them a bit longer to break down and release their juices, enhancing the overall flavor.
How can I make this soup vegan?
To make the soup vegan, simply replace the butter with additional olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute. Ensure that the vegetable broth is vegan-friendly if you choose to use it, and this soup will remain rich and flavorful without any animal products.
What can I add for extra protein?
To add protein to your Tuscan tomato soup, consider stirring in cooked chickpeas or cannellini beans before serving. These ingredients not only boost the protein content but also complement the flavors beautifully. You could also add some quinoa for a nutritious twist.
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).