Rich and Flavorful Smoked Paprika Tomato Soup: A Recipe to Warm Your Soul
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of tomato soup on a chilly day. But what if I told you that there’s a secret ingredient that can take this classic dish to a whole new level of deliciousness? Enter smoked paprika – the not-so-secret best-kept secret for adding depth and smokiness to your tomato soup. This recipe for Smoked Paprika Tomato Soup will elevate your soup game and impress your taste buds with its rich and complex flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 can (400g) of chopped tomatoes
– 600ml vegetable or chicken stock
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
– Cream or crème fraiche, for serving
Instructions:
1. Saute the Aromatics: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.
2. Add the Smoked Paprika: Sprinkle the smoked paprika over the onions and garlic, and cook for another minute to toast the spices and release their flavors.
3. Tomatoes and Stock: Pour in the chopped tomatoes and vegetable or chicken stock. Stir in the tomato paste, salt, and pepper. If the soup tastes too acidic, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance it out.
4. Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy. If using a regular blender, be sure to cool the soup slightly before blending and work in batches if necessary.
6. Serve: Ladle the smoked paprika tomato soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a swirl of cream or crème fraiche for added richness.
7. Enjoy: Serve the soup hot with crusty bread or grilled cheese for a satisfying meal that will warm you from the inside out.
Why Smoked Paprika?
Smoked paprika is the secret ingredient that sets this tomato soup apart. Unlike regular paprika, smoked paprika is made from peppers that have been dried over wood fires, giving it a distinct smoky flavor that adds depth and complexity to dishes. In this soup, the smoked paprika enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and gives the soup a rich, robust flavor that will leave you craving for more.
In Conclusion:
Next time you’re in the mood for a comforting bowl of tomato soup, give this Smoked Paprika Tomato Soup recipe a try. With its rich and flavorful profile, thanks to the addition of smoked paprika, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Serve it to family and friends, and watch as they marvel at the depth of flavors in this simple yet impressive dish. Warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds with a bowl of smoked paprika tomato soup today.