This quick tomato vegetable soup recipe is a comforting, light, and versatile dish. It's a perfect way to use up leftover vegetables or those extra tomatoes from the garden. The base is simply stewed tomatoes and water, enhanced with a dry vegetable soup mix. It's a breeze to whip up, and it's ready to serve in under 30 minutes. Ideal for those busy weeknights or when you're craving a warm, healthy meal.
The dry vegetable soup mix might not be a staple in your pantry, but it's a versatile ingredient worth having. It's usually found in the soup aisle of the supermarket or in the bulk section of health food stores. It can vary in ingredients but it generally comprises of dehydrated vegetables and spices, and adds depth of flavor to any soup.
Ingredients for Quick Tomato Vegetable Soup
Tomatoes: These are the base of our soup. Using stewed tomatoes adds depth and richness to the soup. You can use fresh tomatoes as well if you desire, but it would require more cooking time to break them down.
Dry vegetable soup mix: This handy mix is a blend of dehydrated vegetables and seasonings. It's a great way to quickly add flavor and texture to the soup. If you can't find it, substitute with a mix of dried vegetables and your favorite dried herbs.
Water: This is used to dilute the tomatoes and the dry vegetable soup mix. You can adjust the amount to get the consistency you prefer.
One reader, Brit Malone says:
This quick tomato vegetable soup recipe is a game-changer! It's so easy to make and tastes amazing. The flavors are rich and comforting, and it's the perfect dish for a cozy night in. I love how versatile it is, and it's become a go-to recipe in my household. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Making Quick Tomato Vegetable Soup
How to prepare the tomato vegetable soup: This technique involves combining the stewed tomatoes and water in a saucepan, bringing the mixture to a boil, and then stirring in the dry vegetable soup mix.
How to hydrate the vegetables: After removing the saucepan from the heat and covering it, the vegetables in the soup mix are hydrated by allowing the mixture to sit for 3 to 5 minutes.
How To Make Quick Tomato Vegetable Soup
Ready in just 10 minutes, this comforting tomato vegetable soup uses canned tomatoes boiled with a vegetable soup mix. Perfect for camping and trips!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 29oztomatoes,(2 cans), stewed
- 3cupswater
- .8ozdry vegetable soup mix,(2 packets)
Instructions
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Stir stewed tomatoes and water together in a saucepan. Bring to boil. Stir vegetable soup mix into the tomato mixture.
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Remove saucepan from heat, place cover on the pan, and set aside for 3 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are hydrated.
Nutrition
- Calories: 58.37kcal
- Fat: 0.78g
- Saturated Fat: 0.17g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.19g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.25g
- Carbohydrates: 11.53g
- Fiber: 2.65g
- Sugar: 5.51g
- Protein: 2.68g
- Cholesterol: 4.20mg
- Sodium: 223.94mg
- Calcium: 29.00mg
- Potassium: 504.47mg
- Iron: 0.69mg
- Vitamin A: 86.78µg
- Vitamin C: 28.16mg
Technique Tip for Enhancing the Flavor of Tomato Vegetable Soup
To enhance the flavor of your tomato vegetable soup, consider roasting the tomatoes before adding them to the saucepan. This will give your soup a deeper, more complex flavor. Additionally, you can also add fresh herbs like basil or thyme towards the end of the cooking process for an extra burst of freshness.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Soup Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the vegetables and ingredients in advance to save time during the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Opt for recipes that require minimal dishes and cooking utensils to reduce cleanup time.
Use canned ingredients: Utilize canned or pre-prepared ingredients like diced tomatoes and pre-chopped vegetables for quick and convenient cooking.
Batch cooking: Prepare a larger quantity of soup and freeze individual portions for future quick and easy meals.
Invest in a blender: Invest in a high-quality blender to quickly puree and blend ingredients for soups and sauces.
Substitute Ingredients For Quick Tomato Vegetable Soup Recipe
tomatoes - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be used as a convenient substitute for fresh tomatoes in a quick soup recipe, providing a similar flavor and texture.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can add more depth of flavor to the soup compared to water, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
dry vegetable soup mix - Substitute with chopped mixed vegetables: Chopped mixed vegetables can be used as a substitute for dry vegetable soup mix, providing a fresher and more natural flavor to the soup.
Best Way to Present Quick Tomato Vegetable Soup
Elevate the plating: Arrange the soup in a shallow bowl, ensuring that the vibrant colors of the vegetables and tomatoes are prominently displayed. Garnish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Incorporate texture: Add a crunch element by serving the soup with a side of toasted baguette slices or a delicate parmesan crisp for an added layer of texture.
Highlight the freshness: Place a small cluster of cherry tomatoes on top of the soup, along with a few delicate basil leaves, to emphasize the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Use elegant serving ware: Present the soup in a sophisticated, artisan-crafted ceramic bowl to elevate the dining experience and showcase the attention to detail in the presentation.
Add a touch of luxury: Consider serving the soup with a dollop of crème fraîche or a swirl of balsamic reduction for a luxurious touch that complements the flavors of the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Tomato Vegetable Soup
- Saucepan: A deep cooking vessel with a handle and often a lid, used for cooking soups, stews, and sauces.
- Stirring spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring and mixing ingredients in a pot or pan.
- Cover: A lid or top used to cover the saucepan during cooking to retain heat and moisture.
How To Store and Freeze Homemade Tomato Vegetable Soup
Let the soup cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and diluting the flavors.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4-5 days.
For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions:
- Ladle the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents.
- Lay the bags flat in the freezer until frozen solid, then stack them to save space.
- Frozen soup will maintain its best quality for 4-6 months.
To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight, then transfer it to a saucepan and heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout. Adjust the seasoning if needed before serving.
If you're short on time, you can also reheat the frozen soup directly in a saucepan. Place the frozen block of soup in the pan and add a little water or broth to prevent scorching. Heat over low heat, breaking up the soup with a spoon as it thaws, until it's hot and ready to serve.
How To Reheat Leftover Tomato Vegetable Soup
Stovetop method: Transfer the leftover tomato vegetable soup to a saucepan and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the soup is evenly reheated without scorching or losing its flavor.
Microwave method: Pour the leftover soup into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through. This method is quick and convenient, but be careful not to overheat the soup, as it may cause the vegetables to become mushy.
Slow cooker method: If you have a larger quantity of leftover soup, transfer it to a slow cooker and reheat it on the low setting for 1-2 hours, or until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is ideal for keeping the soup warm for an extended period, making it perfect for serving at gatherings or potlucks.
Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the leftover soup into an oven-safe dish and cover it with a lid or aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is heated through. This method is suitable for reheating larger portions of soup and can help maintain its texture and flavor.
Immersion blender method: If your leftover tomato vegetable soup has become slightly separated or the vegetables have settled to the bottom, use an immersion blender to quickly blend the soup while reheating it on the stovetop. This will help restore the soup's smooth consistency and ensure that the flavors are well-combined.
Random Fact About Tomato Vegetable Soup
Tomato vegetable soup is a quick and easy dish that can be prepared in just a few minutes. It is a great way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your diet, providing essential nutrients and vitamins. This soup is also a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences, making it a popular choice for many home cooks.
Is Making Tomato Vegetable Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
This tomato vegetable soup recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. With simple and affordable ingredients, it provides a budget-friendly option for a nutritious meal. The use of canned tomatoes and dry vegetable soup mix keeps the cost low, making it accessible for many households. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10, making it an economical choice. The overall verdict rates this recipe at 8 out of 10 for its affordability and simplicity.
Is This Soup Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The quick tomato vegetable soup recipe is a relatively healthy option, as it primarily consists of tomatoes and vegetables. Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to various health benefits. The vegetable soup mix likely contains a variety of dehydrated vegetables, which can provide additional nutrients and fiber.
However, there are a few aspects of this recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- The sodium content may be high due to the canned stewed tomatoes and the vegetable soup mix. Opting for low-sodium or no-salt-added versions of these ingredients can help reduce the overall sodium content.
- The recipe lacks a significant source of protein, which is essential for a balanced meal. Adding a lean protein source, such as beans, lentils, or chicken, can enhance the nutritional value of the soup.
- While the vegetable soup mix adds variety, it's unclear exactly which vegetables are included. Incorporating a diverse range of fresh or frozen vegetables can provide a wider array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this soup, consider the following suggestions:
- Use low-sodium or no-salt-added canned tomatoes, or opt for fresh tomatoes if available
- Add a can of rinsed and drained low-sodium beans, such as kidney beans or chickpeas, to increase the protein and fiber content
- Include additional fresh or frozen vegetables, such as carrots, celery, spinach, or zucchini, to boost the vitamin and mineral content
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor without increasing the sodium content significantly
- Experiment with herbs and spices, like basil, oregano, or garlic, to enhance the flavor without relying on salt
Editor's Thoughts on This Quick and Easy Soup
The quick tomato vegetable soup recipe is a simple and convenient option for a warm and comforting meal. The combination of stewed tomatoes and dry vegetable soup mix creates a flavorful base, while the addition of water helps to achieve the desired consistency. The recipe's ease of preparation makes it a practical choice for busy individuals seeking a satisfying homemade soup. However, for those looking to elevate the dish, incorporating fresh herbs, spices, and additional vegetables can enhance the overall taste and nutritional value. Overall, this recipe serves as a great foundation for a quick and nourishing soup.
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Why trust this Quick Tomato Vegetable Soup Recipe:
This quick tomato vegetable soup recipe is a reliable choice for a satisfying meal. The combination of tomatoes and dry vegetable soup mix ensures a rich and flavorful base. The use of water allows the natural flavors to shine through, while the stewing process enhances the overall taste. The simplicity of the recipe makes it accessible for all levels of home cooks. The hydration process ensures that the vegetables are tender and full of flavor. Trust in the quality and convenience of this recipe for a delicious and comforting soup experience.
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