Imagine a soup so rich, so velvety, and so bursting with authentic Italian flavors that it transports you straight to the rolling hills of Tuscany with every single spoonful. This isn't just another tomato soup - this is a culinary journey that transforms simple, fresh ingredients into a luxurious dining experience that will make your taste buds dance and your soul warm. Perfect for cozy evenings, impressing dinner guests, or simply treating yourself to a gourmet meal that feels like a loving embrace from an Italian grandmother.
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the aromatic flavors.
- Add chopped fresh tomatoes and whole rosemary sprigs to the pot. Stir to combine and allow tomatoes to begin breaking down, releasing their natural juices.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and let the soup cook for 15-18 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Remove rosemary sprigs from the soup. Use an immersion blender or transfer soup to a standard blender to puree until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in heavy cream, creating a rich and velvety texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting flavors as needed.
- For optional rosemary garlic croutons, cube day-old bread, toss with olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary, then toast in a 375°F oven until golden and crisp.
- Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with rosemary garlic croutons. Serve immediately while warm.
Tips
- Use the ripest, freshest tomatoes you can find - they're the heart of this recipe's incredible flavor.
- Don't rush the sautéing of onions and garlic; letting them caramelize slowly builds a deeper taste profile.
- For an extra luxurious texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot for minimal cleanup.
- If you want a vegetarian version, simply swap chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- The rosemary garlic croutons are not just a garnish - they're a critical flavor and texture component, so don't skip them!
- For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Fresh rosemary makes a huge difference - dried herbs can't compare to the vibrant flavor of fresh sprigs.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 114kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 24mg
