Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Remove Bay Leaf: Take out the bay leaf and discard it before blending.
Step 4: Blend for Texture
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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!