Fresh Cream of Tomato Soup With Basil – WW 2 Points

There are certain dishes that transport me back to childhood with just a single aroma, and this fresh cream of tomato soup is undeniably one of them. I can vividly recall chilly autumn afternoons, the kind where the sky hangs heavy and the leaves are a riot of amber and crimson. My grandmother, a woman whose kitchen was the heart of our home, would often be found tending to a bubbling pot on the stove. The scent of ripe tomatoes, slowly softening with fragrant herbs, would fill every nook and cranny, a promise of warmth and comfort. It wasn’t just soup; it was a hug in a bowl, a delicious antidote to any grey day. This recipe, with its emphasis on fresh ingredients and the subtle richness of evaporated milk, captures that same comforting essence, proving that wholesome goodness can indeed be incredibly light and satisfying, especially when it’s just 2 Weight Watchers points per serving.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: Approximately 1.5 cups per serving
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

This recipe celebrates the vibrant flavor of fresh tomatoes, enhanced by aromatic leeks and classic herbs.

• 2 medium leeks, chopped (white parts only)
• 8 medium beefsteak tomatoes, cored and chopped (about 3 lbs)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 piece bay leaf
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 12 ounces fat-free evaporated milk
• 1/4 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (for garnishing)

Equipment Needed

A few essential kitchen tools will make preparing this delightful soup a breeze:

• A large saucepan or Dutch oven
• An immersion blender (or a standard blender)
• A chef’s knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Crafting this exquisite cream of tomato soup is a straightforward process, yielding a dish that is both elegant and comforting.

1. Prepare the Aromatics: Coat a large saucepan with cooking spray and set the pan over medium heat. Add the chopped leeks and sauté them until they are soft and translucent, which should take approximately 5 minutes. This gentle cooking process will mellow their flavor and lay the foundation for the soup’s aromatic profile.

2. Build the Tomato Base: Introduce the chopped beefsteak tomatoes to the saucepan along with the dried thyme and the bay leaf. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to break down and release their juices. This stage typically takes about 5 minutes and is crucial for developing the soup’s deep tomato flavor.

3. Simmer and Infuse: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and allow the soup to simmer for 10 minutes. This simmering period allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

4. Refine the Texture: Carefully remove the saucepan from the heat. Discard the bay leaf, as its flavor has now been imparted to the soup. Now, it’s time to achieve that signature creamy texture.

   • Using an immersion blender: Insert the immersion blender directly into the saucepan and puree the tomato mixture until it is smooth and velvety.
   • Using a standard blender: If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully puree the tomato mixture in batches using a standard blender. Be extremely cautious when blending hot liquids, as they can splatter. Fill the blender no more than halfway and hold the lid down firmly with a kitchen towel. Once pureed, return the smooth mixture to the saucepan and set the pan over low heat.

5. Add Creaminess and Freshness: Gently stir in the fat-free evaporated milk. Simmer the soup for just 1 minute more to heat it through. It’s important not to boil the soup after adding the milk, as this can cause it to separate.

6. Finishing Touches: Remove the saucepan from the heat one final time. Stir in the chopped fresh basil, which will add a burst of vibrant, herbaceous flavor. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Remember, the goal is to enhance, not overpower, the delicate flavors of the tomatoes and basil.

7. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the warm soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh thyme for a beautiful presentation and an extra layer of aroma.

Yields about 1.5 cups per serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

To elevate your homemade tomato soup from delicious to divine, consider these professional insights:

• Tomato Selection: While beefsteak tomatoes are excellent for their high flesh-to-seed ratio and rich flavor, don’t shy away from other ripe, flavorful varieties like Roma or heirloom tomatoes when they are in season. The key is ripeness, which translates to natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Leek Preparation: Ensure you thoroughly wash your leeks after chopping them. Dirt and grit often hide between the layers, and you want a perfectly smooth soup. Separating the layers and rinsing them under running water is the most effective method.
• Broth Quality: The vegetable broth you use will significantly impact the final flavor. Opt for a high-quality, low-sodium broth for the best taste and control over the saltiness of your soup.
• Evaporated Milk: Fat-free evaporated milk provides a lovely creaminess without adding significant fat or calories, making it ideal for a lighter soup. For a richer, more decadent soup, you could substitute with half-and-half or even a touch of heavy cream, though this will affect the Weight Watchers points.
• Basil Timing: Adding the fresh basil right at the end, after the soup has been removed from the heat, preserves its bright, fresh flavor and vibrant green color. Overcooking basil can dull its aroma and turn it an unappealing brown.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This fresh cream of tomato soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways and stored for future enjoyment.

Serving:
This soup is a star on its own, especially when paired with a simple grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food experience. A crusty baguette or some whole-wheat crackers also make excellent accompaniments. For a lighter meal, serve a smaller portion as a starter.

Storage:

• Refrigerator: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: This soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid boiling, especially after the evaporated milk has been added. If the soup seems too thick after reheating, you can thin it out with a little extra vegetable broth or water.

Nutritional Information

This information is an estimate based on the ingredients and preparation methods outlined.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	118.5 kcal
Calories from Fat
Total Fat	1.5 g	2 %
Saturated Fat	0.4 g	1 %
Cholesterol	3.9 mg	1 %
Sodium	660.1 mg	27 %
Total Carbohydrate	19.7 g	6 %
Dietary Fiber	1 g	4 %
Sugars	9.8 g	39 %
Protein	6.8 g	13 %

Note: The % Daily Value is based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe shines with its fresh ingredients, there are always ways to adapt it to your preferences or dietary needs.

• For a Deeper Flavor: If you have time, roasting your tomatoes and leeks before pureeing them can add an incredible depth of flavor and sweetness. Toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, roast at 400°F (200°C) until tender and slightly caramelized, then proceed with the recipe.
• Vegan Option: To make this soup vegan, substitute the fat-free evaporated milk with an equal amount of unsweetened, plain cashew or soy milk. Coconut milk can also be used, but it will impart a slight coconut flavor.
• Spice It Up: For a hint of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the dried thyme and bay leaf in step 2.
• Herbal Infusions: Experiment with other complementary herbs like a sprig of rosemary or a few fresh sage leaves added during the simmering stage. Remember to remove them before pureeing.

FAQs

Q: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh beefsteak tomatoes?
A: Absolutely. If fresh tomatoes are out of season or unavailable, you can substitute them with two 14-ounce cans of diced tomatoes. Ensure they are good quality for the best flavor.

Q: Why do I need to be careful when pureeing hot soup?
A: Hot liquids expand when blended, creating steam pressure inside a sealed blender. This pressure can cause the lid to blow off, leading to dangerous splattering of hot soup. Always vent your blender or use an immersion blender with extreme caution.

Q: How can I make this soup thicker or thinner?
A: If the soup is too thick, you can thin it out by stirring in additional vegetable broth or water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. To thicken it, you can simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate, or you can create a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it into the simmering soup until thickened.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
A: While this recipe is designed to highlight tomato, you could certainly add other complementary vegetables like carrots or celery along with the leeks for added flavor and nutrients.

Q: Is this soup suitable for freezing?
A: Yes, this cream of tomato soup freezes very well. Ensure it is cooled completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers for optimal quality.

Final Thoughts

There’s a profound satisfaction in creating a dish that nourishes both the body and the soul, and this Fresh Cream of Tomato Soup with Basil is a perfect example. It’s a testament to the fact that simple, fresh ingredients, prepared with care, can yield extraordinary results. Whether you’re seeking a light and healthy lunch, a comforting starter, or a nostalgic taste of home, this soup delivers. I encourage you to gather your ingredients, take a moment to enjoy the process, and savor every spoonful. Pair it with your favorite crusty bread or a light green salad for a complete and utterly satisfying meal. Happy cooking!