Tomato soup with rice and cheese

Tomato soup with rice and cheese is a classic dish, full of flavor and warmth, perfect for cool days or for moments when we want to indulge in something simple yet comforting. This recipe not only reminds us of family meals but also offers a delicious combination of ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Let's discover together how to prepare this aromatic soup, step by step!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
- 1 liter of water
- 1 kg of fresh, ripe tomatoes (you can also use canned tomatoes if you don't have fresh ones)
- 1 medium onion
- 2 tablespoons of rice (preferably long-grain rice)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon of butter (for a richer taste, but you can also use olive oil)
- Sour cream or grated cheese, for serving
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparation technique

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the tomatoes and slicing them. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can remove the skin of the tomatoes, but if you like the texture, you can use them as they are. Chop the onion finely, and finely chop the parsley for garnish.

2. Sautéing the onion: In a medium pot, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. This step is crucial for adding depth to your soup.

3. Adding the tomatoes: After the onion is ready, add the tomato slices to the pot. Mix well to combine the ingredients, then add a little water (about 100 ml) to help soften the tomatoes. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Pureeing the soup: Once the tomatoes are well cooked, remove the pot from the heat and use a blender or a sieve to puree the mixture. If using a sieve, make sure to press well to achieve a smooth soup. This step is essential for a creamy texture.

5. Cooking the rice: In another pot, add water (about 500 ml) and bring it to a boil. Add the rice and a pinch of salt, then cook according to the package instructions (usually 15-20 minutes). The rice should be cooked al dente so it doesn't break apart in the soup.

6. Combining the ingredients: Once the rice is ready, drain it and add it to the pureed tomato soup. Mix well and let the soup simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

7. Finalizing: When the soup is ready, add the chopped parsley and remove the pot from the heat. Here you can add sour cream or grated cheese, depending on your preferences. If you want an extra touch of freshness, you can add a few fresh basil leaves.

Serving
Tomato soup with rice and cheese is served hot, ideally alongside a slice of toasted bread or crunchy croutons. It is perfect for a quiet family dinner or for a quick meal after a busy day. A personal touch that I recommend trying is to drizzle a little olive oil on top before serving for an authentic Mediterranean flavor.

Tips and useful advice
- Tomatoes: Choose well-ripened tomatoes for a more intense flavor. If using canned tomatoes, make sure to choose varieties without additives.
- Rice: You can experiment with different types of rice, such as basmati or arborio, each offering a different texture.
- Variations: You can enrich the soup with vegetables like carrots or bell peppers, adding them together with the onion when sautéing.
- Sour cream: If you want a lighter version, you can omit the sour cream or use Greek yogurt.

Nutritional benefits
This soup is rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C from the tomatoes, and provides a good source of carbohydrates from the rice, making it perfect for a light and nutritious meal. Tomatoes are also known for their antioxidant properties, and parsley adds an extra boost of nutrients.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use canned tomatoes? Yes, canned tomatoes are an excellent option and can save time.
2. How can I make the soup spicier? You can add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to give it a bit of heat.
3. What other ingredients can I add? Besides the mentioned vegetables, you can also try zucchini or peas to diversify the recipe.

So now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! This tomato soup with rice and cheese will not disappoint anyone and is guaranteed to bring a touch of joy to your table. Enjoy every bite and don't forget to share the recipe with your loved ones!