Tomato Soup (Crème de tomates)
While tomato soup is best in the summer when tomatoes are at their prime, I can’t help but prefer this recipe during the cooler months. This soup has been a go-to in the winter, whether I’m in California or Paris.
The Inspiration for Tomato Soup
In Paris, I often find myself getting carried away at fromageries, buying big wedges of delightful cheese. I usually buy so much of it that I end up neglecting some of it as it goes stale in the back of the fridge.
When this happens, I try to rescue the cheese by making a classic grilled cheese sandwich. And while the cheese is usually the inspiring factor, I tend to use it as an excuse to make this tomato soup too, or crème de tomates in French. This tomato soup is one of my favorite recipes and probably the real reason why I ever make a grilled cheese.
A light but filling dinner
The soup is very easy to whip up and has wonderful flavor. I often turn to this tomato soup for dinner, when I’m looking to enjoy something that’s enticing and not too heavy, but still comforting and will fill me up.
This recipe for tomato soup takes about 30 to 40 minutes, from start to finish. Most of that time is allowing for the tomatoes to soften and then the flavors to develop and meld together.
You can use an immersion blend or food processor to purée your tomatoes, but I find the food processor works better. The tomato skins can be a bit stubborn, even after being cooked, and a food processor does an excellent job of puréeing the skin too.
The perfect accompaniment
My favorite way to enjoy this soup is with garlicky baguette croutons. I toast baguette slices in the oven, brush olive oil on them, then rub a garlic clove across the surface. They’re great on their own and especially delicious dunked in the soup.
Tomato Soup (Crème de tomates)
Creamy and comforting tomato soup, perfect with a side of grilled cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs . tomatoes, cut into chunks
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 3 cloves large garlic, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2/3 cup half n half
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, add the olive oil and warm over medium heat. Add in the garlic and red pepper flakes, and give them a quick sauté for 20 seconds or so.
- Add the tomato chunks in, give everything a stir, then put the lid on the pot and let the tomatoes cook over medium-low heat for 15 minutes.
- Use a ladle to scoop the contents of the pot into the cup of a food processor. If it can't all fit (don't try to fill the processor to the very top!), split the contents into batches. Pulse the contents in the food processor until they're smooth and puréed. If you split the contents of the pot into batches, pour the puréed parts into a separate bowl temporarily.
- Once all the tomatoes have been puréed, pour the entire purée back into the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and half n half. Bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the grated parmesan and a pinch of salt (to taste). Serve warm.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 6 ServingsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 131
Try running the tomatoes through a food mill
Hi Carol, yes you can use a food mill too. I find the processor gets it smoother which I personally prefer, but if you like a little bit of texture in your soup, then a food mill would be perfect.
No word about peeling the tomatoes or not……..
Hi Peter, no need to peel! If you needed to, I would have definitely suggested such in the recipe. 🙂
Great recipe Beeta! We love it. Just made gazpacho which I have to post on Everyday France. Joyce
Thanks so much Joyce! Gazpacho is great this time of year! 🙂
Beeta, could an immersion blender work just as well as a food processor in this recipe? I would like to try making the tomatoe soup, but prefer the ease of an immersion blender. Maybe you know a reason why it wouldn’t work as well? Thanks.
Hi Sheryl! Yes you can use an immersion blender. The reason I don’t is that whenever I used one, I found it really hard to get the blade into the edges of the pot to get everything puréed super well. The food processor (or regular blender) always does a superb job, in my opinion! 🙂
Great, yet simple recipe. I cut down the acidity by adding a 1/4 tsp. of baking soda which worked well. I made it for my wife along with a grilled cheese sandwich which she loved. Next time, I will make croutons.
This one’s a keeper!
Fabulous, Tom! Thanks so much for coming back to leave kind feedback! 🙂
whats half n half?
Hi Rom! Half n half is a product sold in the dairy section next to heavy cream and milk. You can make it yourself by using half whole milk and half heavy cream. 🙂
Ta soupe est une pure délice!! Je te souhaite une très belle année Beeta! Que touts tes rêves devient réalité!! xoxo
Aww, merci, Eva! J’espère tu as une bonne année aussi! XO
I love tomato soup in the winter! Tomatoes are such shape shifters – they’re incredible in the summer at their peak, but become something completely different once they are cooked or sun-dried. I love the classic combo of a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup, but, when I try this recipe, I’ll definitely make the garlicky baguette croutons too!
Thanks, Marissa! I completely agree – tomatoes are incredible all around. Hope you enjoy the recipe <3