How to Turn Fresh Tomatoes into the Tomato-iest Soup | Julia At Home (S5 E8)

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of making a refreshing chilled tomato soup, perfect for summer dining. You'll learn how to extract vibrant flavor from fresh tomatoes, ensuring your soup is both delicious and satisfying.

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

To create the tomato soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• Fresh tomatoes (around 2 pounds)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Onion (1 medium, chopped)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Vegetable or chicken broth (2 cups)
• Fresh basil (a handful, chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for added acidity

Practical Tips

• Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Consider using a mix of tomato varieties for depth of flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Tomatoes

1. Blanch the Tomatoes

   • Bring a pot of water to a boil.
   • Score a small "X" on the bottom of each tomato.
   • Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer them to an ice bath.

2. Peel and Chop

   • Once cooled, peel the skins off the tomatoes.
   • Chop the peeled tomatoes into quarters.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Ensure the water is boiling before adding tomatoes to prevent them from cooking too long.
• Ice bath should be cold enough to stop the cooking process.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

1. Heat Olive Oil

   • In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add Onion and Garlic

   • Sauté the chopped onion for about 5 minutes, or until translucent.
   • Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to burn it.

Practical Advice

• Cooking the aromatics enhances the flavor base of your soup.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. Add Tomatoes and Broth

   • Stir in the chopped tomatoes.
   • Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth.

2. Simmer

   • Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Real-World Application

• For a richer flavor, consider roasting the tomatoes before adding them to the pot.

Step 5: Blend the Soup

1. Blend Until Smooth

   • Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender in batches.
   • Blend until the soup reaches your desired consistency.

2. Adjust Seasoning

   • Taste the soup and adjust with salt, pepper, and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice if needed.

Practical Tips

• If using a traditional blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before blending to avoid splattering.

Step 6: Chill the Soup

1. Cool Down

   • Allow the soup to cool to room temperature.

2. Refrigerate

   • Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to enhance the flavors.

Conclusion

In summary, this chilled tomato soup is an easy and delicious way to enjoy fresh tomatoes. By following these steps, you can create a vibrant dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings. Consider pairing it with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. Enjoy your cooking!