Are you tired of battling with picky eaters at mealtime? Get ready to transform your kitchen into a culinary playground with this magical Tomato Soup recipe that will have kids begging for seconds! Packed with hidden nutrition, creamy texture, and a perfect balance of flavors, this simple soup is about to become your secret weapon in making healthy eating fun and delicious. Whether you're a busy parent or a cooking novice, this recipe promises to be your go-to comfort food solution that will win over even the most stubborn little food critics!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 tablespoon of butter, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes, 2 cups of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of sugar, salt and pepper to taste, and 1/2 cup of heavy cream (optional).
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning. You want the garlic to be fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes along with the vegetable broth. Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients.
- Add 1 teaspoon of sugar to the pot. This helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, making the soup more kid-friendly.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each and adjust later according to your preference.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- If you are using heavy cream, stir it in at the end of the cooking time for a creamier texture. Allow the soup to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Once the soup is ready, remove it from heat. You can serve it as is, or for a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Be careful if blending hot liquids!
- Serve the tomato soup warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or croutons if desired. Enjoy with grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic pairing!
Tips
- Texture Matters: If your kids are sensitive to chunks, use an immersion blender to create a smooth, silky soup that's easy to eat.
- Customize the Creaminess: The heavy cream is optional, but it adds a luxurious touch that makes the soup more appealing to children.
- Sneaky Nutrition Hack: You can blend in some additional vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrients without changing the flavor dramatically.
- Temperature Control: Let the soup cool slightly before serving to prevent burns, and consider serving in fun, colorful bowls to make mealtime more exciting.
- Pairing Perfection: Serve with mini grilled cheese triangles or crispy croutons to make the meal more interactive and enjoyable for kids.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This soup freezes beautifully, so you can prepare a big batch and have quick meals ready for busy days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
