The Comfort of Tomato Soup
A steaming bowl of rich, tangy tomato soup is one of winter's simplest yet most comforting pleasures. The combination of tomatoes, broth, cream and warming spices makes tomato soup a beloved staple that has stood the test of time.
But a bowl of tomato soup on its own can seem a little lonely. What foods pair well with tomato soup to make it a hearty and satisfying meal?
Bread and Crackers
Crunchy, crusty bread and crackers are classic tomato soup accompaniments. The contrast of crispy, flaky textures against the soup's smooth, creamy consistency is highly appealing. Bread and crackers also provide a neutral base that doesn't compete with the bright tomato flavors.
For dunking into the soup, slices of crusty baguette, rolls or biscuits are ideal. Heartier breads like whole grain, rye or pumpkin seed provide even more substance.
Saltine crackers are one of the most traditional tomato soup companions. Their saltiness contrasts beautifully with the soup's tangy sweetness. Oyster crackers, bread sticks and water crackers also pair well.
For extra flavor and crunch, top your soup with crispy garlic or cheese croutons.
Cheese
Cheese is another excellent addition to tomato soup. Melty, gooey cheese swirled into hot soup provides a lovely creaminess and savory depth.
For a classic tomato soup pairing, look no further than grated cheddar or parmesan. Other great options include Monterey Jack, Gruyre, Gouda or Swiss.
Soft spreadable cheeses like Boursin, goat cheese or cream cheese can be stirred directly into the soup until smooth and incorporated.
Or take your tomato soup and cheese combo over the top with a grilled cheese sandwich dunked into that steaming bowl of red goodness.
Eggs
Protein-rich eggs make tomato soup into a hearty, comforting meal. There are many creative ways to combine these two ingredients.
For ultimate comfort food, add a softly scrambled or poached egg to your hot soup and let the luscious yolk swirl into the tomatoes. Eggs Florentine-style baked right in the soup is also delicious.
Grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup are even better with fried, over-easy eggs on top. The runny eggs mix decadently with soup and melted cheese in every bite.
Pasta and Grains
Hearty whole grains and pasta are very satisfying paired with creamy tomato soup. The combination makes an easy one-dish meal.
Mini pasta shapes like orzo, small shells or alphabet pasta can be cooked right in the soup. The starch from the pasta lends even more thickness and texture.
For more substance, cook elbow macaroni, rigatoni or other chunky pastas separately and add to your tomato soup along with vegetables like peas or broccoli.
Barley, farro, brown rice or whole grain couscous are excellent mixed with tomato soup as well. The nutty flavors and chewy textures pair perfectly with the rich, tangy broth.
Vegetables
In addition to pasta and grains, stirring plenty of vegetables into tomato soup bulks up the meal and adds nutrients.
Onions, carrots, celery and garlic form classic tomato soup flavor bases. Cook them right in the soup for maximum flavor infusion.
Leafy greens like kale, chard or spinach add color and superfood powers. Roast vegetables like zucchini, peppers, mushrooms or butternut squash lend even more substance and sweetness when pured into tomato soup.
Topping hot tomato soup with crisp, fresh vegetables is also delicious. Go for sliced radishes, cucumber, scallions or evenTomato soup's affinity for cheese, bread and eggs is undeniable. But grains, vegetables and lean proteins make excellent culinary companions as well. Mix and match to create a comforting tomato soup meal that best satisfies your tastes and dietary needs.
Tomato Soup Nutrition
When made well, tomato soup packs some solid nutritional value in addition to its soul-warming deliciousness.
Tomatoes are brimming with lycopene, an antioxidant phytochemical that gives tomatoes their vibrant red color. Lycopene has been linked to heart health, cancer prevention and reduced inflammation.
Tomatoes also contain vitamins A, C and K, potassium and folate. When cooked and pured into soup, these nutrients become more bioavailable for absorption.
Adding vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins to tomato soup significantly boosts fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals.
Go easy on the cream, oil and sodium to keep tomato soup calorie counts reasonable. Opt for low-sodium canned tomatoes or reduce salt if using regular cans.
Gluten-Free and Vegan Tomato Soups
Tomato soup adapts beautifully to a wide range of dietary needs. With a few simple substitutions, tomato soup can easily be made vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free.
Instead of wheat flour or bread thickening the base, use rice flour, cornstarch or cooked rice. Opt for olive oil instead of butter. And replace dairy milk with unsweetened non-dairy milk like almond, soy or oat milk.
Vegans can use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for full plant goodness. And don't forget to pile that soup bowl high with vegetables, beans, pasta and gluten-free grains.
Endlessly Adaptable Tomato Soup
However you choose to complement and enhance humble tomato soup, the possibilities are nearly endless.
Change up herbs, spices, cheeses and mix-ins to keep tomato soup exciting meal after meal. Tomato soup may be simple, but it never has to get boring.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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