My grandma always said, “Life’s too short for boring soup,” and boy, was she right. This Tomato soup with rice is anything but boring. It’s a vibrant, comforting hug in a bowl, bursting with sunshine-y flavor.
This recipe is a family favorite, passed down through generations (with a few of my own quirky additions, of course!). It’s the perfect cozy meal for a chilly evening or a light lunch on a busy day. Prepare for a taste explosion!
It’s incredibly easy to whip up, bursting with flavor, looks beautiful, and is surprisingly versatile. This tomato soup with rice is a true champion of the culinary world.
Ingredients for Tomato soup with rice
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Tomato soup with rice
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Sautéing the Aromatics
Finely chop the onion and garlic. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Don’t burn the garlic; it gets bitter.
Step 2: Building the Flavor Base
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine with the onions and garlic. Cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to release their juices.
Step 3: Simmering the Soup
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes.
Step 4: Adding the Rice
Stir in the long-grain rice. Continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the soup has thickened slightly. Check the rice for doneness; every stove is different.
Step 5: Seasoning and Finishing Touches
Season the soup with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar (if using). Stir in the fresh basil leaves just before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Serving the Delight
Ladle the Tomato soup with rice into bowls. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves, a swirl of olive oil, or a dollop of plain yogurt (optional) if you’re feeling fancy. Serve warm and enjoy! A crusty bread on the side is always a good idea.
Recipe Card for Tomato soup with rice
(Insert Recipe Card Here. This would include a detailed ingredient list with measurements and potentially a nutritional information section)
Tips and Variations for your Tomato soup with rice
This recipe is your culinary canvas – feel free to personalize it! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice, or a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness. For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding the rice. Experiment! That’s half the fun. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or celery for added nutrition and flavor. Get creative!
Frequently Asked Questions about Tomato soup with rice
What if my tomatoes are a bit tart? Add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity.
Can I use other types of rice? Short-grain rice will result in a thicker, mushier soup. Long grain is best for the texture described here.
Can I make this soup ahead of time? Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion: Embrace the Simple Joys of Tomato soup with rice
This Tomato soup with rice isn’t just a recipe; it’s a story, a comforting tradition, and a delicious adventure in flavor. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a bowl of sunshine—one spoonful at a time. Your taste buds (and your grandma) will thank you.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
First, sauté your diced onions and carrots until softened. Then, add your chicken broth and diced tomatoes, simmering gently while you cook the rice separately. Finally, stir in the cooked rice and season to taste. This ensures perfectly cooked rice and a flavorful, well-balanced tomato soup with rice.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment! Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness, a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or some fresh basil for an extra layer of flavor. Consider swapping chicken for beef or even lentils for a vegetarian twist on this classic tomato soup with rice.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little more broth if needed to restore its consistency. Avoid over-reheating, which can make the soup watery.
Use high-quality ingredients for maximum flavor in your tomato soup with rice.
Don’t overcook the rice; it should be tender but still have a slight bite.
Taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process—your taste buds are the ultimate judge!
Remember my first attempt at this tomato soup with rice? It was a little bland, but adding fresh herbs completely transformed it!
A Deliciously Simple Tomato Soup with Rice Recipe
This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients, elevated by a few clever techniques. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out, perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend brunch. We’re going to make a creamy, vibrant, and utterly delicious tomato soup with rice. Get ready to be amazed by how easy and flavorful this dish is!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the detailed steps, let’s gather our essential ingredients. You’ll find that most of these are likely already in your pantry!
1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped
4 cups chicken broth (vegetable broth can be substituted)
28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional: Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
: Creating Culinary Magic
This recipe is designed to be straightforward and enjoyable. Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find this incredibly easy to follow. Let’s get started!
First, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step helps to remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky. Set the rice aside.
Next, heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrot and cook until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step; the softened vegetables will add depth of flavor to the soup.
Now, pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir in the oregano and basil. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
While the tomato mixture simmers, cook the rice according to package directions. Usually, this involves bringing the rice to a boil in salted water, then reducing the heat and simmering until tender.
Once the rice is cooked, stir it into the simmering tomato mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. This is your chance to personalize your tomato soup with rice!
Finally, serve your delicious tomato soup with rice hot. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, for an extra touch of elegance and flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Tomato soup with rice is incredibly versatile! Here are a few serving ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:
Serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping. The bread will perfectly soak up the delicious tomato broth.
For a heartier meal, add cooked ground beef or shredded chicken to the soup. This makes it a complete and satisfying dish.
A dollop of plain yogurt or a swirl of cream adds a creamy richness to the soup. (Note: for a vegan option use coconut cream)
Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to find your perfect flavor combination. A dash of smoked paprika adds a smoky depth, while a pinch of cayenne pepper adds a delightful kick.
FAQ
: Your Burning Questions Answered
Here are answers to some common questions about this recipe:
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and more fiber to the soup. Just keep in mind that it will take longer to cook.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! This tomato soup with rice is even better the next day. Make it a day ahead and reheat it gently before serving.
Q: How can I make this soup thicker?
A: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can simmer it uncovered for a longer period to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender to create a creamier texture.
Enjoy your homemade tomato soup with rice! Let me know in the comments how yours turned out.
Conclusion for Tomato Soup with Rice
This Tomato soup with rice recipe is a comforting classic, easily adaptable to your taste. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe delivers a delicious and satisfying meal. The key to its success is using quality ingredients and letting the flavors meld together. Remember to adjust seasonings according to your preference. Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own signature Tomato soup with rice. Enjoy!
Print
Tomato soup with rice
Delicious tomato soup with rice recipe with detailed instructions and nutritional information.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 2: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, rice, basil, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the soup has thickened slightly.
- Step 4: If the soup is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.
Notes
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For perfectly smooth reheating, gently warm the soup in a saucepan on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve your tomato soup with rice with a dollop of creamy pesto or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- To enhance the sweetness of the vegetables, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for a few extra minutes until lightly caramelized before adding the tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
FAQs
Can I make this Tomato Soup with Rice ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Tomato soup with rice is even better the next day. The flavors meld beautifully overnight. Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy delicious lunches throughout the week. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating is a breeze – you can do it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Remember to give it a good stir when reheating to ensure even warmth and prevent sticking. Feel free to add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick after reheating.
What kind of rice is best for Tomato Soup with Rice?
While you can experiment, short-grain rice like Arborio or sushi rice works best for this Tomato soup with rice. Their starchy texture helps thicken the soup beautifully, creating a creamy, comforting consistency. Long-grain rice will tend to stay more separate and less integrated into the overall soup. If you only have long-grain, don’t despair! Just cook it a bit longer than usual and stir it more frequently. It might not be quite as creamy, but it will still be tasty.
How can I make this Tomato Soup with Rice vegan?
This recipe is already naturally vegetarian! To make it completely vegan, just ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Many store-bought vegetable broths are already fortified with vitamins and minerals, adding extra nutrition to your soup. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own broth from scratch using vegetable scraps – it adds a deeper, richer flavor. The rest of the recipe uses only plant-based ingredients, so you’re good to go.
My Tomato Soup with Rice is too watery, what can I do?
Don’t fret! A slightly watery Tomato soup with rice is an easy fix. The most common culprit is using too much liquid. Next time, start with a bit less broth and add more as needed towards the end of the cooking time. If your soup is already watery, you can simmer it uncovered for a while to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can create a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and whisk it into the soup. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken. Always stir to prevent lumps!