Slow cooker tomato cream soup

Creamy Tomato Soup in a Slow Cooker – A Perfect Choice for Chilly Days!

When it comes to comfort food, creamy tomato soup is one of the most beloved dishes. This recipe not only brings a touch of warmth on cold days but is also incredibly easy to prepare, especially with the help of a slow cooker. I invite you to discover each step of this delicious recipe and enjoy its enticing flavors!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 3 hours
Total time: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 kg of ripe tomatoes (preferably garden tomatoes)
- 1 medium onion
- 2 carrots
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 liter of vegetable broth (or water, but broth adds a richer flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 75 g of cream cheese (you can also use cottage cheese for a lighter option)
- 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan (or cheddar cheese, if you prefer)
- 150 g of ravioli or tortellini

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
- Start by peeling the tomatoes. An easy method is to immerse them in hot water for a few seconds, then quickly transfer them to cold water. The skin will come off easily. Cut the tomatoes into smaller pieces, removing seeds and stems as much as possible.
- Peel the onion and carrots. Finely chop the onion and grate the carrots. These vegetables will add extra sweetness to the soup.

2. Assembling in the slow cooker:
- In the ceramic pot of the slow cooker, add the vegetable broth, grated carrots, and chopped onion.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and bay leaves. These will provide a fragrant taste, giving the soup depth.
- Put the lid on and set the slow cooker to "high" for 3 hours. This is where the magic happens – the flavors meld, and the tomatoes transform into a rich, creamy soup.

3. Preparing the pasta:
- About 10 minutes before the slow cooker is done, bring salted water to a boil in a separate pot. When the water starts to boil, add the pasta. Ravioli or tortellini will add a pleasant texture and substance to your soup.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain well.

4. Finishing the soup:
- After 3 hours of cooking, remove the bay leaves from the soup. Use a blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don't have a blender, you can use an immersion blender or a manual mashing tool.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, then incorporate the cream cheese. Continue blending until the soup becomes creamy and homogeneous.
- Finally, add the cooked pasta and stir gently. Sprinkle the grated parmesan on top, and the soup is ready!

Taste and serving:
This creamy tomato soup is an explosion of flavors, with a velvety texture that will win you over. You can serve it with crunchy croutons or a slice of garlic toast. If you want to add a fresh touch, a handful of fresh basil on top will enhance the flavor.

Helpful tips:
- If you like spicy soups, you can add a pinch of chili powder or a few drops of Tabasco sauce.
- This recipe is very versatile. You can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to vary the taste.
- Instead of cream cheese, you can use sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use canned tomatoes? Absolutely! Canned tomatoes are an excellent option, especially in the colder season. Just make sure to choose a variety without additives.
- How long can the soup be stored? This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze portions for days when you don't have time to cook.
- What drinks pair well with the soup? A light white wine or a dry rosé would perfectly complement the flavors of the tomato soup. Additionally, a warm herbal tea can provide a comforting experience.

Nutritional benefits:
This creamy tomato soup is rich in vitamins and minerals. Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, lycopene (a powerful antioxidant), and fiber, while carrots add a boost of beta-carotene. The cream cheese and parmesan add protein and calcium, making this soup not only delicious but also nutritious.

A personal note:
This creamy tomato soup recipe is one of my favorites, especially on Sunday evenings when I prepare for a busy week ahead. It's comforting and reminds me of family moments shared around the lunch table. I encourage you to share it with your loved ones. It might just become your go-to recipe!

Enjoy this creamy tomato soup in a slow cooker, a simple and flavorful choice! It's an easy, quick recipe full of aromas that will bring smiles with every serving. Bon appétit!