Let me tell you, there’s something truly comforting about a bowl of tomato soup. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl-rich, flavorful, and just a little nostalgic. And if we’re talking about the crème de la crème of tomato soups, Sarabeth’s version is absolutely iconic. Known for her exceptional ability to turn simple ingredients into something extraordinary, Sarabeth’s tomato soup is creamy, tangy, and just bursting with fresh tomato flavor. Whether you’re preparing a cozy lunch, an elegant dinner starter, or simply indulging in comfort food for yourself, this soup has a way of elevating the everyday tomato into a luxurious, velvety masterpiece.
Sarabeth Tomato Soup Recipe
This recipe is a beautiful balance of simplicity and elegance. It’s approachable enough for weeknight cooking yet sophisticated enough to impress guests. The magic lies in its creamy texture, the perfect hint of sweetness, and the rich tomato essence that sings with every spoonful.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to create Sarabeth’s legendary tomato soup:
- 2 tablespoons butter – the base of flavor, adds richness
- 1 small onion, finely chopped – brings sweetness and depth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – for a gentle aromatic punch
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – optional, for extra richness and smoothness
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – helps thicken the soup beautifully
- 1 (28-ounce) can of whole peeled tomatoes – the soul of the dish; go for high-quality or San Marzano
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth – adjusts consistency and enhances flavor
- 1 teaspoon sugar – balances acidity
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – creates that signature velvety texture
- Fresh basil leaves – for garnish and aroma
Optional: A dash of smoked paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat kick.
Cooking Instructions
Let’s walk through this soup step by step:
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Sauté The Aromatics
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute-don’t let it brown, as it will become bitter.
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Create The Roux
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture.
- Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. This will give the soup its creamy body.
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Add Tomatoes And Broth
- Pour in the canned tomatoes with their juice, breaking them up gently with a spoon.
- Add the chicken or vegetable broth, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
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Simmer
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Blend The Soup
- Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender.
- Blend until smooth and silky.
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Finish With Cream
- Return the soup to the pot if needed, stir in the heavy cream, and heat gently.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
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Serve
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of cream for an elegant touch.
Ingredient Insights
- Tomatoes: The star of the show. Fresh summer tomatoes are amazing if in season, but canned San Marzano tomatoes offer consistent sweetness and flavor year-round.
- Butter vs. Olive Oil: Butter gives the soup that rich, indulgent taste, while olive oil can lighten the profile slightly and add fruity notes.
- Sugar: Even high-quality tomatoes can be a little tangy; a teaspoon of sugar balances acidity perfectly.
- Heavy Cream: Not optional if you want Sarabeth’s signature velvety finish. You could substitute half-and-half for a lighter version but expect a thinner texture.
Expert Tips
- Cook slowly: Low and slow is the key. Rushing the sauté or simmering steps can result in a soup that tastes flat.
- Blend carefully: When using a blender, don’t fill it too full; hot soup expands and can splatter.
- Season gradually: Tomatoes can be acidic; adding salt gradually ensures you don’t over-salt.
- Make ahead: This soup actually tastes better the next day when flavors have melded. Reheat gently over low heat.
Recipe Variations
If you want to give your Sarabeth tomato soup a little twist:
- Roasted Tomato Version: Roast fresh tomatoes and garlic before blending for a smoky depth.
- Spicy Tomato Soup: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.
- Herbal Infusion: Experiment with thyme or oregano along with basil for a more herbaceous note.
- Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter for olive oil and heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream.
Final Words
Making Sarabeth’s tomato soup is more than just cooking; it’s an experience. Every step-the gentle sauté, the careful blending, the finishing cream-builds layers of comfort, nostalgia, and pure satisfaction. It’s the kind of dish that makes people pause, take a deep breath, and smile.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Sarabeth’s Tomato Soup?
The basic ingredients for Sarabeth’s tomato soup typically include ripe tomatoes, onions, garlic, olive oil or butter, vegetable or chicken stock, sugar, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like basil or thyme. Some variations may also use cream for added richness.
How Do I Prepare The Tomatoes For Sarabeth’s Tomato Soup?
Tomatoes should be washed, cored, and optionally peeled. Peeling can be done by blanching the tomatoes in boiling water for 30-60 seconds, then transferring them to ice water before removing the skins. This ensures a smooth soup texture.
Can I Make Sarabeth’s Tomato Soup In Advance?
Yes, the soup can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop to prevent scorching and maintain the fresh tomato flavor.
Is Sarabeth’s Tomato Soup Suitable For Freezing?
Yes, Sarabeth’s tomato soup can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then pour it into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. It can typically be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Reheat slowly on the stovetop after thawing.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Sarabeth’s Tomato Soup?
The preparation time is usually around 15-20 minutes, and the cooking time is about 30-40 minutes, depending on the recipe. This includes simmering the tomatoes with aromatics to develop a rich, balanced flavor.
Can I Make Sarabeth’s Tomato Soup Creamy Without Adding Dairy?
Yes, you can make the soup creamy without dairy by blending the cooked tomatoes until smooth and adding a small amount of coconut milk, cashew cream, or a plant-based cream alternative to achieve a velvety texture.
What Is The Best Way To Blend Sarabeth’s Tomato Soup?
After cooking, use an immersion blender directly in the pot for convenience, or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender. Blend until smooth, then return to the pot to adjust seasoning and consistency.
What Sides Or Toppings Pair Well With Sarabeth’s Tomato Soup?
Classic pairings include grilled cheese sandwiches, croutons, or a swirl of cream. Fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese also enhance the flavor of the soup.
Can Sarabeth’s Tomato Soup Be Made Spicy?
Yes, add heat by including ingredients like red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce during cooking. Adjust gradually to ensure the spice complements rather than overwhelms the tomato flavor.
Is Sarabeth’s Tomato Soup Healthy?
Sarabeth’s tomato soup is generally considered healthy because it is tomato-based and low in fat. It provides vitamins A and C, antioxidants like lycopene, and can be made lighter by limiting cream and using minimal added sugar.