Turkish Tomato Soup

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) ripe tomatoes, chopped 1 kg (2.2 lbs) ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups (950 ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950 ml) vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or mint) for garnish Fresh herbs (such as parsley or mint) for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 15g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
3. 3.
   Cook the mixture for about 10 minutes, until the tomatoes start to break down and release their juices.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, dissolve the tomato paste in the vegetable broth. Pour the broth mixture into the pot and stir.
5. 5.
   Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
7. 7.
   Stir in the lemon juice and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. 8.
   Serve the Turkish Tomato Soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs and accompanied by crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and flavorful tomatoes for the best taste. If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned tomatoes as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of coconut milk or cream at the end.
• Adjust the spices according to your preference. You can add more paprika for a smokier flavor or increase the cumin for a stronger aroma.
• Serve the soup with a dollop of yogurt on top for an extra tangy twist.
• If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can blend only half of the mixture and leave the rest as is.
• This soup tastes even better the next day, so consider making a larger batch for leftovers.

Serving advice

Serve the Turkish Tomato Soup hot in individual bowls. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint, to add a pop of color and freshness. Accompany the soup with crusty bread or Turkish pide for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation of the Turkish Tomato Soup, consider serving it in beautiful ceramic bowls or soup tureens. Drizzle a swirl of olive oil on top of each serving and sprinkle some paprika for an added visual appeal. Serve with a side of warm bread and fresh herbs for a visually pleasing and appetizing presentation.