Tomato Soup with Rice

In a pot or any vessel we have at hand, we start by boiling water, preparing to blanch the tomatoes. This step is essential as it will help us remove the skin from the tomatoes, making them easier to use in the recipe. Meanwhile, we dedicate ourselves to preparing the vegetables: we carefully peel the carrot, bell pepper, and onion, ensuring they are fresh and of good quality. We chop the bell pepper and onion into small cubes, the size being important for even cooking, and we grate the carrot using a fine grater, which will add a pleasant texture to the soup.

After blanching the tomatoes, we let them cool slightly, then easily remove the skin. We grate them, but if you prefer a finer consistency, you can blend them in a food processor. Personally, I prefer the grater version because I like to feel the pieces of tomato in the soup. Now, in a larger pot, we add the oil and sauté the diced onion over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Once the onion becomes translucent, it's time to add the carrot and bell pepper. We let the vegetables sauté for a few minutes until they become soft and the flavors blend nicely.

Once the vegetables are ready, we add the grated tomatoes and let them cook for a few minutes to incorporate well with the other ingredients. Now, we add enough water to cover everything and let the soup simmer over medium heat. Meanwhile, we rinse the rice in several waters to remove the starch and let it soak for about five minutes. This step is crucial for achieving well-cooked and non-sticky rice. After the rice has soaked, we add it to the soup and let it cook together for a few minutes until the rice is al dente.

Finally, we season the soup with salt to taste and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. This addition will provide an extra flavor and freshness to the dish. The soup can be served both hot and cold, making it a wonderful choice for any time of the day. Its rich texture and fresh vegetable taste make this soup a comforting recipe, perfect for enjoying with loved ones. Enjoy!