Creamy Tomato Soup with a Czech Twist

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Fresh herbs (such as basil or parsley) for garnish Fresh herbs (such as basil or parsley) for garnish
• Sour cream for serving Sour cream for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 10g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they turn translucent.
2. 2.
   Sprinkle in the paprika and black pepper, stirring well to coat the onions and garlic.
3. 3.
   Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. 4.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth.
6. 6.
   Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt to taste.
7. 7.
   Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8. 8.
   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream and fresh herbs.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Crushed tomatoes — Opt for high-quality canned crushed tomatoes to ensure a rich and flavorful base for the soup.
• Fresh herbs — Use fresh basil or parsley for garnish to add a burst of freshness to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
• Serve the soup with crusty bread or croutons for added texture.
• To make it heartier, you can add cooked pasta or rice to the soup.

Serving advice

Serve the creamy tomato soup hot in bowls, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Accompany it with a slice of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Present the soup in elegant bowls, allowing the vibrant red color to shine through. Drizzle a swirl of cream on top and sprinkle some fresh herbs for an eye-catching presentation.