Tomato soup like in Arnota

Tomato Soup like at Arnota Monastery - A simple and delicious culinary indulgence

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Introduction

Tomato soup quickly became the star of my family after I had the privilege of savoring it at Arnota Monastery. This simple yet flavorful recipe won us all over, even the most skeptical among us who didn't believe that a meatless meal could be tasty. It's a perfect choice for fasting days or when you want to indulge in a healthy dish full of fresh vegetables. Let's discover together how to prepare this tomato soup like at Arnota, which not only offers a wonderful taste but also an explosion of colors and nutrients!

Necessary ingredients

- 2 yellow onions
- 2 bell peppers
- 2 carrots
- 1 small piece of celery
- 1 small piece of parsnip
- 10 ripe tomatoes (preferably from the garden or market)
- 50 g rice
- 2-3 tablespoons sunflower oil
- Iodized salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Fresh lovage, thyme, and parsley for garnish

Useful tips about ingredients

1. Tomatoes: Choose ripe and juicy tomatoes for an intense flavor. Garden tomatoes are ideal, but if you don't have access to them, opt for organic tomatoes from the market.
2. Vegetables: Using fresh vegetables is essential. Carrots and celery add sweetness, while bell peppers provide a unique flavor note.
3. Oil: Sunflower oil is an excellent medium to enhance the flavors of the vegetables, but you can also experiment with olive oil for a more Mediterranean taste.
4. Rice: Rice adds substance to the soup. You can use long-grain rice or risotto rice, depending on your preferences.

Preparing the tomato soup

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing and peeling all the vegetables. Cut the onion into small cubes, and the bell pepper and other vegetables (carrot, celery, parsnip) into small pieces. If you have a food processor, it can do the job quickly and evenly, but manual chopping adds a certain charm.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add the sunflower oil and a little water. Add the onion to sauté over medium heat until it becomes translucent. This step is essential because properly sautéed onion will give the soup a special flavor.

3. Adding the vegetables: Once the onion has softened, add the carrot, celery, parsnip, and bell pepper in turn. Mix everything well and season with salt and pepper. Let the vegetables sauté for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Tomatoes: Meanwhile, peel the tomatoes. An easy method to peel them is to dip them for a few seconds in hot water, then in cold water, which will make the skin come off easily. Cut the tomatoes into small cubes and add them to the pot. Stir gently to combine the flavors.

5. Boiling: Add water (about 1-1.5 liters, depending on how concentrated you want the soup) and let it boil uncovered over medium heat for 25 minutes. This step allows the flavors to develop and intertwine beautifully, creating a delicious base.

6. Adding the rice: At the end of the 25 minutes, add the washed and cleaned rice. Let the soup boil for another 10 minutes until the rice is tender. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

7. Serving: Once the rice is cooked, the soup is ready! Serve hot, sprinkled with fresh herbs (lovage, parsley, and thyme). This garnish will add an extra touch of freshness and flavor.

Serving suggestions

This tomato soup pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread or crispy bread croutons. Additionally, a cold bottle of mineral water or fresh lemonade will perfectly complement the meal. If you want a bit of extra flavor, drizzle a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil on top before serving.

Possible variations

If you want to experiment, you can add other vegetables like zucchini or green beans. Another option would be to turn this soup into a cream soup by blending everything at the end and adding a little sour cream.

Nutritional benefits

Tomato soup is an excellent source of vitamins (especially vitamin C from tomatoes and vegetables) and minerals. Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps maintain heart health and reduce cancer risk. Additionally, the vegetables used provide fiber, essential for healthy digestion. This recipe is also low in calories, offering a nutritious and satisfying meal without adding excess weight.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use canned tomatoes? Yes, but to achieve a fresh and vibrant taste, it is recommended to use fresh tomatoes.
2. How long does the soup last? Tomato soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
3. Can it be frozen? Yes, the soup can be frozen, but it is recommended to keep the rice separate, as it may become mushy after thawing.
4. Is this recipe vegan? Absolutely! This soup contains no animal ingredients and is perfect for vegans.
5. How can I enhance the flavor of the soup? You can add spices like basil or oregano for a Mediterranean taste.

I hope you will try this simple and delicious tomato soup recipe! Don't forget to enjoy every step of the preparation and experiment with the ingredients. Bon appétit!