Hearty Fire Roasted Tomato Soup

Hearty Fire Roasted Tomato Soup is a rich and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a warm, satisfying meal. This soup combines fire-roasted tomatoes, white beans, potatoes, and a blend of Italian seasonings for a flavorful experience. Finished with heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, it’s a creamy and delicious treat. Let’s dive into this recipe and learn how to make it step-by-step.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups diced potatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 2 (14 oz) cans fire roasted tomatoes
• 2 (14 oz) cans white beans, drained
• 32 oz vegetable broth
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Dice the Onion and Mince the Garlic:
   • Dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves. Set aside.
2. Dice the Potatoes:
   • Peel and dice the potatoes into small, bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat Olive Oil:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add Onion and Garlic:
   • Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Potatoes:
   • Stir in the diced potatoes and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste

1. Add Tomato Paste:
   • Stir in the tomato paste until the vegetables are well coated.
2. Add Seasonings:
   • Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth

1. Add Fire Roasted Tomatoes:
   • Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes, including their juices, and stir to combine.
2. Add White Beans:
   • Add the drained white beans to the pot.
3. Add Vegetable Broth:
   • Pour in the vegetable broth and stir to combine all ingredients.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

1. Bring to a Boil:
   • Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce Heat and Simmer:
   • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 6: Add Cream and Cheese

1. Stir in Heavy Cream:
   • Slowly stir in the heavy cream, mixing well to incorporate.
2. Add Parmesan Cheese:
   • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.

Step 7: Adjust Seasonings and Serve

1. Adjust Seasonings:
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings with more salt and pepper if needed.
2. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful fire-roasted tomato soup with crusty bread or a side salad.

Cooking Notes and Tips

• Potatoes: Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for the best texture in the soup.
• Cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
• Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and adds more flavor than pre-grated versions.

Variations

Spicy Fire Roasted Tomato Soup

• Add Spice:
  • Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño with the onion and garlic for extra heat.

Chicken Tomato Soup

• Add Chicken:
  • Stir in 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken to the soup for added protein and flavor.

Vegetarian Fire Roasted Tomato Soup

• Add Vegetables:
  • Add 1 cup of chopped spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of simmering for added nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

Sides

• With Bread:
  • Serve with crusty bread, garlic bread, or grilled cheese sandwiches for a complete meal.

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs:
  • Top the soup with fresh basil, parsley, or thyme for added freshness.
• Extra Cheese:
  • Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan or a dollop of ricotta cheese on top before serving.

Beverages

• With Wine:
  • Pair the soup with a glass of red wine such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon for a sophisticated touch.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove before serving.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Q: Can I freeze this soup? A: Yes, you can freeze the soup. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove before serving.

Q: Can I use a different type of bean? A: Yes, you can substitute the white beans with other types of beans such as cannellini beans, navy beans, or chickpeas.

Q: Can I make this soup vegan? A: Yes, you can make this soup vegan by omitting the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, or by using plant-based alternatives.

Hearty Fire Roasted Tomato Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich tomato base, tender potatoes, and creamy finish, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this soup is easy to make and always delicious. Enjoy making and sharing this hearty soup with your family and friends!