Raw tomato soup

Raw Tomato Soup – An Explosion of Freshness in Every Spoonful

If you're looking for a quick, healthy, and extremely tasty recipe, you've come to the right place! Raw tomato soup is not only an excellent choice for a light meal but also a superb way to bring fresh ingredients to the forefront. This recipe is inspired by the culinary talent of Ligia Pop, who shows us how simple and delicious dishes can be made from unprocessed ingredients. With a perfect combination of tomatoes, vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2-3 servings

Necessary ingredients:
- 3 well-ripened tomatoes (choose quality, ripe tomatoes for an intense flavor)
- 1 red bell pepper (adds a sweet and crunchy note)
- 1-2 tablespoons of cold-pressed oil (olive oil is an excellent choice for an authentic taste)
- 1 cup of diced zucchini (adds a pleasant texture to the soup)
- 2 sun-dried tomatoes (for a concentrated and deep flavor)
- 1 clove of garlic (for an extra flavor boost, but you can adjust the amount to your liking)
- Salt to taste (add gradually to achieve the perfect balance of flavor)
- 1 diced tomato (to add freshness and a beautiful appearance)
- 1 sprig of fresh parsley (for a touch of freshness)
- Dill and thyme (use sparingly, depending on your preferences; you can omit the thyme as I did)

Preparation steps:

1. Start by washing all the ingredients well. The tomatoes should be ripe and flavorful, and the bell pepper should be crunchy. Use seasonal tomatoes for optimal taste.
2. Cut the tomatoes in half and the red bell pepper into large pieces. This will help the blender process them more easily.
3. Place all the ingredients, except for the diced tomato and herbs, in the blender. Make sure you have a powerful blender to achieve a smooth texture.
4. Blend until you have a homogeneous mixture. You can adjust the consistency by adding a little plain water if you prefer a thinner soup.
5. Taste and adjust the seasonings. This is the moment to add salt to your liking, but be careful, as raw ingredients have a more concentrated flavor.
6. Once you have achieved the desired consistency, pour the soup into bowls and add the diced tomato and fresh herbs (parsley, dill, and thyme).
7. Serve immediately! This soup is delicious freshly made, but you can keep it in the refrigerator for the next day.

Practical tips:
- If you have seasonal vegetables on hand, you can integrate them into this recipe for a personalized touch. For example, cucumbers add a crunchy texture, while carrots can provide a natural sweetness.
- Substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a more exotic version.
- If you're a fan of spices, add a little cayenne pepper or sweet paprika to intensify the flavors.

Nutritional benefits:
This soup is not only delicious but also extremely healthy. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, and zucchini brings fiber and essential vitamins. Additionally, garlic is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, while herbs provide an extra dose of nutrients.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use canned tomatoes?
- While fresh tomatoes offer a more vibrant flavor, you can use canned tomatoes in emergencies. Just be sure to choose varieties without additives.
2. How can I adapt the recipe for vegans?
- This soup is already vegan, but you can add tofu or avocado for an extra protein boost.
3. Can I freeze the soup?
- While raw soup can be frozen, it is recommended to consume it fresh to enjoy all the nutrients and flavors.

For a complete meal, you can pair this fresh soup with a crunchy salad or a slice of toasted whole-grain bread. A refreshing lemonade or iced tea are ideal drinks that perfectly complement this culinary experience.

Enjoy your meal! May every spoonful of this soup bring you a touch of health and joy every day!