This vibrant Hairy Bikers Tomato Soup is made with fresh tomatoes, sweet roasted garlic, a generous handful of basil, and a touch of balsamic vinegar. The result is a smooth, rich, and tangy soup with a beautiful depth of flavor. This recipe creates a comforting starter or a light lunch that is perfect for a cozy weeknight and is a delicious way to use up a summer bounty of tomatoes, with enough to serve 4 to 6 people.
Hairy Bikers Tomato Soup Ingredients
- 2 kg fresh, ripe tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, unpeeled
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 litres vegetable or chicken stock
- A large bunch of fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- A little sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
How To Make Hairy Bikers Tomato Soup
- Roast the tomatoes and garlic: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Roughly chop the fresh tomatoes and place them on a baking tray. Add the whole, unpeeled garlic cloves and drizzle everything with olive oil. Roast for 20-30 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized and the garlic is tender.
- Sauté the onions: While the tomatoes are roasting, heat a large saucepan or pot over medium heat. Add the remaining olive oil and the chopped onion. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Combine the ingredients: Carefully add the roasted tomatoes and the soft, peeled garlic cloves from the baking tray to the saucepan with the onions. Pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer and season: Once the soup is simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook gently for about 15 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together.
- Blend the soup: Add most of the fresh basil to the pot, reserving a few leaves for garnish. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the saucepan until it’s completely smooth. For an extra-smooth texture, you can pass the soup through a sieve.
- Finish the soup: Stir in the balsamic vinegar. Season with salt, pepper, and a little sugar if the tomatoes are particularly tangy. Serve hot, garnished with the reserved basil leaves.
Recipe Tips
- Use the ripest tomatoes: The flavor of this soup depends on the quality of your tomatoes. Choose ripe, in-season tomatoes like plum or vine tomatoes for the best, most naturally sweet flavor.
- Don’t skip the roasting step: Roasting the tomatoes and garlic before simmering is what gives this soup its rich, deep flavor. The heat caramelizes the sugars in the vegetables, intensifying their taste.
- Balance the flavors: Fresh tomatoes can have varying levels of acidity. If your soup tastes a little too sharp, add a pinch of sugar at the end to balance the flavors.
- Immersion vs. Standard Blender: An immersion blender is convenient, but for a truly silky-smooth soup, an upright blender is your best option. Just be careful when blending hot liquids, as the steam can build pressure.
What To Serve Tomato Soup
This classic tomato soup is delicious on its own but even better with a few simple additions. Serve it with a crusty baguette for dipping, or a thick slice of buttered toast. For a more substantial meal, a classic grilled cheese sandwich is the perfect pairing. You could also serve it alongside a fresh green salad or topped with a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
How To Store Tomato Soup Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store the cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can be easily reheated in a pot on the stove or in the microwave.
- Freeze: This soup freezes very well. Once completely cool, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Hairy Bikers Tomato Soup Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 serving Calories: 150 kcal Total Fat: 8g Saturated Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 500mg Total Carbohydrate: 18g Dietary Fiber: 4g Sugars: 12g Protein: 4g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh? While fresh tomatoes are key to the vibrant flavor of this specific recipe, you can use high-quality canned plum tomatoes as a substitute. Use two 400g cans and follow the roasting step, which will still deepen their flavor.
- Why is my soup too thin? The consistency of your soup depends on the water content of the tomatoes and the amount of stock you use. If your soup is too thin, you can continue to simmer it with the lid off to reduce the liquid, or stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste to help thicken it.
- What kind of tomatoes are best for this soup? Any ripe, flavorful tomato will work, but tomatoes with a lower water content like Roma or San Marzano are excellent choices. Vine-ripened tomatoes are also a great option as they have a naturally sweet flavor.
Try More Recipes:
- Hairy Bikers Cullen Skink Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Leek And Potato Soup No Cream Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Red Pepper And Lentil Soup Recipe
Hairy Bikers Tomato Soup With Fresh Tomatoes Recipe
Description
A hearty and fresh Hairy Bikers Tomato Soup recipe featuring ripe, roasted tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. This simple soup is a perfect way to use a bounty of summer tomatoes, creating a smooth and tangy dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Roast the tomatoes and garlic: Place chopped tomatoes and garlic on a tray with olive oil. Roast at 200°C (400°F) for 20-30 minutes.
- Sauté the onions: Cook chopped onion in a large pot until soft.
- Combine and simmer: Add roasted tomatoes, peeled garlic, and stock to the pot. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Blend: Add basil and use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth.
- Finish: Stir in balsamic vinegar, then season with salt, pepper, and optional sugar.
