Tomato soup with mushrooms

Tomato Mushroom Soup

Tomato mushroom soup is a delicious and comforting dish, perfect for cool days or for moments when you want to indulge in a healthy and flavorful meal. This classic recipe, enriched with mushrooms and herbs, offers not only an unmistakable taste but also an explosion of colors that will catch the eyes of your loved ones.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 1.5 kg of ripe tomatoes (choose seasonal tomatoes for a more intense flavor)
- 1 medium onion
- 500 g of mushrooms (champignon mushrooms are the most accessible, but you can also opt for shiitake mushrooms for a deeper flavor)
- 3 cm of celery (a subtle flavor that perfectly complements tomatoes)
- 3-4 cloves of garlic
- 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 handful of rice (optional, for a heartier soup)
- 2-3 bay leaves
- A sprig of fresh basil or dried basil (for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish

Chef's tip: Choose very ripe tomatoes to achieve a soup with an intense flavor. Romanian tomatoes, with a strong aroma, are the most suitable.

Step 1: Preparing the tomatoes
Start by washing the tomatoes well. Place them in a pot and blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. This process will make peeling easier. After blanching, remove them and place them in a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. Carefully peel them, cutting off the woody stem at the base with a sharp knife.

Step 2: Boiling the tomatoes
Put the peeled tomatoes in a large pot. Add water, salt, bay leaves, and basil. Boil them over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until the tomatoes become soft and release their natural juice.

Step 3: Preparing the vegetables
While the tomatoes are boiling, prepare the mushrooms and other vegetables. Chop the onion, celery, and mushrooms into small cubes. Crush the garlic. In a pan, add the olive oil and heat it over low heat. Add the onion, celery, mushrooms, and garlic, sautéing them slowly until they become soft and develop a sweet aroma.

Step 4: Creating the soup
Once the tomatoes have boiled, use a blender to puree them until you achieve a creamy consistency. Add the tomato puree over the sautéed vegetables, mixing well. If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add a little water. Add salt, pepper, and the tablespoon of sugar to reduce acidity. If you like a heartier soup, add a handful of rice and let it boil for another 10 minutes.

Step 5: Serving
Once the soup is ready, pour it into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Add extra flavor by serving it with garlic toast. This can be crispy black bread, but white bread will also work perfectly.

Step 6: Enjoy
Every time you savor this soup, you will remember the moments spent around the table, sharing stories and laughter. It is a dish that brings comfort and joy, making it ideal for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.

Nutritional benefits:
Tomato mushroom soup is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, especially due to the tomatoes, which are an excellent source of vitamin C and lycopene. Mushrooms provide protein and fiber, while garlic has anti-inflammatory properties. This recipe is not only tasty but also healthy.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use canned tomatoes?
Although fresh tomatoes are ideal, you can also use canned tomatoes in tomato sauce, but the taste of the soup will be different.

2. Can I add other vegetables?
Of course, you can experiment with carrots, peppers, or zucchini, each bringing its own flavor.

3. How can I make the soup spicier?
Add a pinch of chili powder or a few slices of fresh chili during the sautéing of the vegetables.

For a complete culinary experience, tomato mushroom soup pairs wonderfully with a dry white wine or fresh lemonade. This recipe is perfect not only for a quiet dinner but also to impress guests. Enjoy!