Tomato-less Tomato Soup with Crispy Herbed Croutons
Try this Tomato-less Tomato Soup with Crispy Herbed Croutons recipe.
Try this Tomato-less Tomato Soup with Crispy Herbed Croutons recipe.
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 8 cloves of garlic
- 3 tbsp / 45 ml avocado oil or fat of choice
- 1 medium yellow onion about 9 oz / 255 g or so
- 1 lb / 454 g carrots (orange for the best color)
- 1 cup / 240 ml red wine (i used an inexpensive merlot) (
- 5 cups / 1.2 l chicken or vegetable broth divided
- 1 cup / 240 g butternut squash puree (see notes)
- 6 oz / 170 g drained canned sliced beets
- 1/4 cup / 60 ml lemon juice
- 1/4 cup / 60 ml red wine vinegar (please read the notes!)
- 1 tbsp / 3 g italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp / 3 g dried basil (see notes)
- 1 tsp / 5 g fine sea salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper (omit for aip elimination phas
- optional for additional color: 1/4 cup / 60 ml res
- 1 cup / 60 g yucan crunch broken into bitesize pieces
- 3 tbsp / 45 ml avocado oil
- 1 tbsp / 3 g italian seasoning
- Carbohydrate 5.965495 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.09524 g
- Fiber 0.877050008535385 g
- Protein 0.87573 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0284025 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (201g)
- Sodium 293.365 mg
- Sugar 5.08844499146462 g
- Trans Fat 0.026815 g
- Calories 26 calories
Step-by-step
- CARAMELIZE: Add the oil or fat of choice to a heavy bottomed dutch oven on the stovetop over low-medium heat. While the oil is heating up, peel and chop the onion finely. Smash the garlic cloves with the back of a heavy knife and discard the skin. Add the sliced onions and garlic cloves to the hot oil. Season with a little salt and cook, stirring often, until the onions begin to take on a golden color.
- SOFTEN: Peel and slice the carrots thinly. Add them to the pan, along with the red wine and 3 cups / 720 ml of the broth. Bring the wine and broth mixture to a simmer, then partly cover the pan with a lid, leaving space for steam to escape. Cook the carrots until they soften to fork tender and the liquid reduces, about 25 minutes.
- BLEND: Carefully transfer the cooked vegetables and remaining cooking liquid to a blender, along with the butternut squash puree, sliced beets, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt and black pepper, if using. Blend - making sure to leave space for steam to escape the pitcher - until completely smooth.
- SIMMER: Return the blended soup to the dutch oven or pan you were using earlier, over low-medium heat. Add the remaining 2 cups / 480 ml of broth, the reserved beet liquid or beet juice (if using) and the bay leaves to the soup and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, stirring often to avoid splattering, and cook until heated through. Taste and add additional seasoning if you like. Remove and discard the bay leaves. If you like, you can thin with additional broth.
- CRISP: While the soup is simmering and warming through, make the croutons. Add the broken up Yucan Crunch, avocado oil and seasonings to a bowl. Use your hands to work all the ingredients together until the croutons are evenly coated in oil and seasonings. Heat a small skillet over low-medium heat - any hotter and the croutons will burn rather than toast. Add the coated crouton mixture to the hot skillet and toast for 2 - 3 minutes, until lightly golden. You'll want to take them out when they look a little underdone as they'll continue to cook and darken further as they cool.
- SERVE: Divide the soup between bowls and top each with some of the crispy croutons. If you like, an extra drizzle of olive oil to finish is lovely!
A Housewife's Unexpected Culinary Adventure: Tomato-less Tomato Soup
Life as a housewife often feels like a whirlwind of routines. Laundry, dishes, grocery shopping – the list seems endless. But amidst the everyday chaos, there are moments of quiet creativity, moments where I find myself exploring new recipes, experimenting with flavors, and surprising even myself with the results. This tomato-less tomato soup is one such happy accident. It all started with a desire for something warm and comforting on a particularly chilly evening. I rummaged through my pantry, a bit disheartened by the lack of fresh tomatoes, when a lightbulb went off. Why not create a soup that *tastes* like tomato without actually using tomatoes? The idea was audacious, perhaps even a little foolish, but the challenge ignited my culinary spirit.
The journey began with a simple sauté of onions and garlic, their fragrant aroma filling my kitchen. Then came the carrots, their sweetness promising a depth of flavor that tomatoes often lack. I added red wine, a splash of unexpected boldness that cut through the inherent sweetness. The butternut squash puree brought an unexpected creaminess, a subtle hint of earthiness. The vibrant color came from beets, their deep crimson adding both visual appeal and a slightly earthy undertone. The final touch was the crispy herbed croutons. A simple combination of Yucan Crunch, avocado oil, and Italian seasoning, these crunchy little additions offered a delightful textural contrast to the smooth, velvety soup. The result exceeded all my expectations. It wasn’t just a satisfying meal; it was a testament to the power of culinary improvisation, a reminder that even amidst the routine, there's always room for creative exploration and delicious surprises.
This recipe, therefore, isn't just a soup; it's a story. It’s a narrative of resourcefulness, of finding joy in the unexpected, and of transforming simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary. It’s a reflection of my own life as a housewife: filled with the mundane, yet brimming with moments of surprising creativity and delicious discoveries. It's a recipe that embodies the spirit of adventure, proving that even the most familiar kitchen can become a stage for culinary innovation. And more importantly, it's a recipe that I'm excited to share with you, hoping it will inspire you to embrace the unexpected, to experiment boldly, and to find your own culinary adventures in the heart of your own kitchen.
The process of creating this soup was an adventure in itself. I started with the basic idea – to make a tomato-flavored soup without using tomatoes. From there, I experimented with various ingredients, trying different combinations to achieve the desired taste and texture. The blending process was particularly fascinating, as I watched the ingredients transform from individual components into a smooth, harmonious whole. The crispy herbed croutons added a delightful crunch, providing a welcome textural contrast to the soup’s creamy consistency. The whole experience was a lesson in culinary exploration, reminding me that cooking is not just about following instructions but about allowing yourself to be creative and innovative.
The finished product is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of experimentation. It's a testament to the ability to create something delicious and satisfying even when faced with limited resources. It is a flavorful, comforting, and surprisingly versatile soup that can be enjoyed as a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or even a sophisticated appetizer. It's perfect for chilly evenings, cozy nights in, and anytime you need a warm, flavorful, and satisfying meal. And most importantly, it's a recipe that's perfect for showcasing the unexpected beauty of simple ingredients when brought together with a creative spirit. So grab your ingredients and prepare to be amazed by what you can create in your own kitchen!
Beyond its deliciousness, this tomato-less tomato soup offers a unique opportunity for culinary exploration. Its base recipe can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For example, you can experiment with different types of broth to alter the soup’s flavor profile. Chicken broth lends a savory richness, while vegetable broth provides a lighter, more delicate taste. Similarly, the herbs and spices can be adjusted to create a personalized flavor experience. Feel free to add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky undertone, or a dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. The possibilities are endless, inviting you to personalize this recipe and make it your own.
The crispy herbed croutons, too, offer a canvas for creative expression. You can adjust the herbs and seasonings to suit your preferences. Try adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a salty, umami boost, or experiment with different types of oil for variations in flavor. The key is to embrace the freedom of culinary improvisation and to create a dish that truly reflects your unique culinary style. And remember, cooking should always be fun! It’s a journey of discovery, a chance to experiment with flavors, and a wonderful opportunity to share your creativity with those you love. This tomato-less tomato soup is just the beginning of that journey; now, go forth and create your own culinary masterpiece!
