Sweet tomato, cream and onion soup with a rough texture

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

1. Prepare the Onions: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the roughly chopped onions, stirring them to coat in the oil.
2. Caramelize: Reduce heat to medium-low and allow the onions to cook slowly for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and caramelized. This step brings out their natural sweetness, adding depth to the soup. If the onions start sticking, add a splash of water or broth to deglaze the pot.

Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings

1. Add Tomatoes and Garlic: Once the onions are deeply caramelized, add the minced garlic and stir for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the roughly chopped tomatoes to the pot.
2. Season the Soup: Sprinkle in the sugar, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine. The sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, enhancing their natural sweetness.
3. Cook Down the Tomatoes: Allow the tomatoes to cook for about 10 minutes, until they start breaking down and releasing their juices. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

1. Add Broth and Bay Leaf: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, and toss in the bay leaf. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This simmering process melds all the flavors beautifully.
2. Remove Bay Leaf: Take out the bay leaf and discard it before blending.

Step 4: Blend for Texture

1. Blend to a Rustic Texture: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup lightly to achieve a rough, textured consistency. If you prefer a smoother consistency, blend it longer, but this soup shines with a little chunkiness.Tip: If using a regular blender, blend in small batches, leaving some chunks of tomatoes and onions for a more rustic, hearty feel.

Step 5: Add the Cream

1. Stir in Cream: Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. This will make the soup creamy without losing its rich, chunky texture.
2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding a bit more salt, pepper, or smoked paprika for additional flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh basil leaves and rustic croutons for a satisfying crunch. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread for a complete, cozy meal.

Tips for the Perfect Sweet Tomato, Cream, and Onion Soup

• Use Ripe Tomatoes: Ripe, juicy tomatoes are key to getting a sweet, vibrant flavor in this soup. If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, canned whole tomatoes will work well; just adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Keep the Texture: This soup is meant to be rustic, so avoid over-blending. A chunky texture adds character and makes each spoonful more interesting.
• Make Ahead: This soup gets even better the next day, as the flavors continue to deepen. Simply reheat it gently on the stove and add a splash of cream if it needs more creaminess.

Conclusion

This Sweet Tomato, Cream, and Onion Soup is pure comfort in a bowl. With its slightly sweet and savory flavors and luscious yet textured consistency, it’s a soup that encourages you to savor every spoonful. Whether for a cozy weeknight meal or a dinner party starter, this soup is sure to become a go-to favorite.

Let each bowl warm you up, spoon by spoon!