Terrific Tomato Soup!

T’is the most wonderful time of the year. Well, for foodies in any case. The gardens are lush and the farmer’s markets stacked high with local goodness. For me – with my not so silent obsession with homemade soups – it truly is a glorious time.

My herb garden thrived this year (miraculously!) and the plump vine tomatoes at the markets beg for a roasted tomato soup now that the cooler weather is creeping in.

What I love about a savoury tomato soup is not only about the deliciousness it brings on a chilly day, but the tremendous health benefits.

Here are a few things to consider:

Bone Health

The vitamin K and calcium in tomato soup can assist with bone health. Lycopene in tomato soup improves bone mass, fighting osteoporosis.

Cancer

Tomato soup contains antioxidants like lycopene and carotenoid, which can help prevent the possibility of cancer. The high levels of antioxidants in tomato soup reduce oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.

Cardiovascular Health

The high levels of vitamin C in tomato soup also provide arterial protection. Its presence strengthens the heart and provides protection from diseases like blockage of arteries and stroke. It reduces the deposition of fats in the blood vessels, reducing bad cholesterol.

Blood Circulation

Selenium in tomato soup promotes blood circulation, preventing anemia. Did you know one serving of tomato soup provides 7 micrograms of selenium, amounting to 11% of the daily-recommended allowance.

Vitamins

Tomato soup is an excellent source of vitamin A and C. Vitamin A is required for tissue development. It activates the genes of the newborn cells, helping it grow to a mature tissue. A bowl of tomato soup provides 16% of the daily-recommended value of vitamin A. Vitamin C is required to maintain healthy tendons and ligaments. Tomato soup provides 20% of the daily-recommended value of vitamin C.

There are many other benefits, but seriously…given its homemade deliciousness, how can you resist?

Here is my tried and true recipe. My go-to on chilly days, easy yummy lunches, and those days when you’re feeling a bit icky.

Roasted Tomato Soup

Ingredients

• 8-10 vine or roma tomatoes- cubed into large chunks
• 6+cloves garlic roughly chopped (and it’s good for you!)
• 1 large vidella onion
• 4 tablespoonsEVOO
• A generous portion of sea salt and ground fresh pepper
• 1cup fresh basil leaves
• 3-4 large springs of fresh thyme
• A sprig of fresh oregano
• 4 cups chicken bone broth ,low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian friendly option
• ½ cup heavy cream
• A splash of your favourite hot sauce. Check out my favourite here.
• Foccacia garlic croutons for garnish (optional)
• Chipotle sauce for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. – Preheat your oven to 400f
2. – Line a large baking dish (you may need 2) with parchment paper
3. – Pour the cut up tomatoes, garlic EVOO, and shredded herbs into the baking dish. Liberally sprinkle the salt and pepper on top.
4. – Roast for 45 minutes, stirring mixture every 20 minutes.
5. – Remove from oven and allow to cool for a bit.
6. – Transfer to a blender (or use an immersion blender in a large bowl) and blend until smooth. Add the chicken broth until you get a good consistency you like. This may take a few sessions if your batch is large.
7. – Using a metal sieve, strain the soup to remove all skin, seeds and the herb twigs. Add cream to your taste.
8. – Ladle into soup bowls and garnish with croutons and a splash of chipotle sauce.

This also freezes very well for easy lunches when you need that little hit of summer yumminess.

What is your favourite homemade soup?

xoxo-Sandra