Hi there! Are you looking for an easy and nutritious tomato soup recipe that your kids will love? Look no further! I have the perfect recipe for you. This homemade tomato soup is not only delicious but also packed with goodness. Say goodbye to store-bought canned soups with high levels of salt and sugar. With this recipe, you can control the ingredients and make it healthier for your little ones.
Kids Tomato Soup Recipe Unraveled
- Making your own tomato soup allows you to provide a nutritious and delicious meal for your kids.
- This recipe is versatile and can accommodate various dietary restrictions.
- It’s easy to make and can be prepared in advance for convenient weekday meals.
- Add fun toppings and serve with dippers to make the soup even more enjoyable.
- Properly store any leftovers or freeze them for later use.
Why This Tomato Soup Recipe is Great for Families
There are several reasons why this tomato soup recipe is perfect for families. Firstly, it’s highly nutritional, providing a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your child’s diet. It’s low in salt and doesn’t contain any added sugar, making it a healthy option for kids.
Additionally, this recipe is versatile and can accommodate dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and vegetarian/vegan diets. It’s important to ensure that everyone in the family can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal together.
The best part is, this soup is easy to make, requiring minimal effort from the cook. As a busy parent, you’ll appreciate the simplicity of this recipe, while still being able to provide a nutritious meal for your family.
Here are some key reasons why this tomato soup recipe is a great option for families:
- Highly nutritional, with plenty of vegetables.
- Low in salt and free from added sugars.
- Versatile, accommodating various dietary restrictions.
- Easy to make, perfect for busy parents.
Tomato Soup Ingredients
To make a flavorful and nutritious tomato soup, you will need to gather the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onions | 1 medium |
| Carrots | 2 medium |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Vine tomatoes | 4 large |
| Canned tomatoes | 14 ounces |
| Stock (vegetable or chicken) | 4 cups |
| Fresh basil | ¼ cup |
The combination of these ingredients provides a balance of flavors that will make your tomato soup taste delicious. Onions add depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness, while carrots help balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Garlic adds a savory note that complements the other ingredients.
Both vine tomatoes and canned tomatoes are used to achieve a delicious and fresh taste. The stock, whether vegetable or chicken, enhances the overall flavors of the soup. And fresh basil adds a burst of freshness that pairs perfectly with tomatoes.
How to Make Tomato Soup
Making tomato soup is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and creamy tomato soup:
Gather the Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 5 large tomatoes, diced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prepare the Soup
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and carrots to the pot and sauté until they are softened.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Next, add the diced fresh tomatoes and canned tomatoes to the pot.
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock and stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 25 minutes. This will allow the flavors to develop.
- After 25 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and add the fresh basil.
To achieve a smooth consistency, there are two options:
- Option 1: Use a stick (immersion) blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until smooth.
- Option 2: Allow the soup to cool, then transfer it to a blender or food processor and blend it in batches until smooth.
Once the soup is blended to your desired consistency, return it to the pot and heat it gently. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.
Serving Suggestion
Pour the tomato soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve it alongside crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches for a complete and satisfying meal.
| Recipe Recap | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Serves | 4-6 |
Fun Soup Toppings and Dippers
Adding fun toppings and dippers can take your tomato soup to the next level and make it even more enjoyable for kids. Not only do these additions add texture and flavor, but they also make the soup more visually appealing. Here are some suggested toppings and dippers to try:
- Parmesan Cheese Shavings
- Grated Cheddar Cheese
- A Swirl of Pesto
- Croutons
These toppings can be sprinkled on top of the soup just before serving to add a burst of flavor. The Parmesan cheese shavings and grated cheddar cheese melt slightly in the warm soup, creating a creamy and savory combination. A swirl of pesto adds freshness and a hint of herbiness. And croutons provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the smoothness of the soup.
But why stop at toppings? Dippers are another fun addition that can make the tomato soup even more interactive and enjoyable for kids. Consider serving the soup with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches. The bread can be used to soak up the soup, adding a filling and delicious element to each bite.
Alternatively, you can toast the bread and cut it into fun shapes using cookie cutters to make it more appealing to young eaters.
By adding these toppings and dippers, you create an engaging and dynamic dining experience that kids will look forward to. It’s a great way to make mealtime fun and encourage them to enjoy nutritious and delicious tomato soup.
Storage Instructions
When it comes to storing tomato soup, proper handling is key to preserving its freshness and flavor. Whether you have leftovers or want to make a larger batch in advance, follow these storage instructions to ensure your tomato soup stays delicious:
Refrigeration
After enjoying a warm bowl of tomato soup, allow it to cool to room temperature before storing. Once cooled, transfer the soup to an airtight container. The refrigerator is an excellent option for short-term storage.
Here are the steps for refrigerating tomato soup:
- Ensure the soup is cool to the touch
- Transfer the soup to an airtight container
- Label the container with the date
- Place the container in the refrigerator
Stored properly, tomato soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. This allows you to enjoy the leftovers on subsequent days without compromising taste or quality.
Freezing
If you prefer to store tomato soup for a longer period, freezing is an excellent option. Freezing the soup ensures that it’ll be ready when you need a quick, comforting meal.
Follow these steps to freeze tomato soup:
- Ensure the soup is completely cool
- Transfer the soup to freezer-safe containers
- Label the containers with the date and contents
- Place the containers in the freezer
When freezing tomato soup, it’s recommended to use individual portion-sized containers. This way, you can defrost only what you need without having to thaw the entire batch.
Tomato soup can be frozen for up to 3 months, but it’s best to consume it within this time frame for optimal taste and quality.
Remember, proper storage techniques play a crucial role in maintaining the taste and texture of tomato soup. Whether you choose to refrigerate or freeze your soup, following these instructions will help you enjoy the flavors of homemade tomato soup long after it’s been prepared.
Tips and Variations for Tomato Soup
Looking to take your tomato soup to the next level? Here are a few tips and variations that will enhance the flavor and make it even more enjoyable.
For Young Children and Babies
When making tomato soup for young children or babies, consider using homemade or low-sodium stock to reduce the salt content. This ensures a healthier option while still providing delicious flavors.
Add Cannellini Beans for a Creamy Texture
If you prefer a thicker soup, try adding a drained can of cannellini beans just before blending. These beans not only add a creamy texture but also boost the nutritional value of the soup. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients for your little ones.
Experiment with Different Herbs
Want to switch up the flavor profile of your tomato soup? Use different herbs in place of basil to add a unique twist. Thyme or oregano can bring a new dimension to the soup and create a taste that suits your family’s preferences.
Feel free to get creative and try other herbs that you enjoy. Don’t be afraid to mix and match to find your family’s favorite combination.
These tips and variations allow you to customize your tomato soup and make it a dish that your family will love. Whether you’re looking for a healthier option or want to try new flavors, these suggestions will take your tomato soup to the next level.
Conclusion
Making an easy and healthy tomato soup for kids is a great way to provide them with a delicious and nutritious meal. This recipe offers a balanced and flavorful option that is both kid-friendly and easy to prepare. By following the step-by-step instructions and adding fun toppings and dippers, you can create a meal that kids will enjoy.
It’s important to remember to store any leftover soup properly or freeze it for future use. By following these storage instructions, you can ensure that the soup stays fresh and can be enjoyed at another time. Additionally, with the tips and variations provided, you can make the tomato soup your own and adapt it to suit your family’s tastes.
So go ahead and enjoy the warmth and deliciousness of homemade tomato soup with your kids! It’s a nutritious and satisfying meal that will surely bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
