Portuguese Tomato Soup

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) ripe tomatoes, diced 2 pounds (900g) ripe tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh cilantro, chopped
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 12g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the onions and garlic to the pot and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften.
4. 4.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Remove the pot from the heat and let the soup cool slightly.
7. 7.
   Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth.
8. 8.
   Return the soup to the pot and reheat gently.
9. 9.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. 10.
    Stir in the chopped cilantro just before serving.
11. 11.
    Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprig of cilantro.
12. 12.
    Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned tomatoes as a substitute.
• Cilantro — If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can replace it with parsley for a milder herb flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream to the soup before serving.
• If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can reserve some diced tomatoes and add them back into the soup after blending.
• To add a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce over the soup before serving.
• This soup tastes even better the next day, so consider making a larger batch and enjoying it as leftovers.
• Experiment with different toppings such as croutons, grated cheese, or a dollop of sour cream to add extra flavor and texture.

Serving advice

Serve the Portuguese Tomato Soup hot in individual bowls. Accompany it with a side of crusty bread for dipping and savoring the delicious flavors. Garnish each bowl with a sprig of fresh cilantro to add a touch of freshness and visual appeal.

Presentation advice

When serving the Portuguese Tomato Soup, ensure that the vibrant red color of the soup is showcased by using white or light-colored bowls. Place a sprig of fresh cilantro on top of each bowl for an elegant touch. Serve the soup alongside a basket of warm, crusty bread to complete the presentation.