Tom’s Tasty Tomato Soup with Brown Butter Croutons

Introduction

Tom’s Tasty Tomato Soup with Brown Butter Croutons offers a delightful blend of tangy tomatoes and rich, crunchy croutons. This classic recipe takes comfort food to the next level by introducing brown butter into the mix, adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile.

Tips for this Recipe

To achieve a smooth soup texture without over-processing, it’s best to use a blender or food processor. Additionally, browning the butter just until golden enhances the croutons’ flavor and ensures they maintain their crispy exterior when served.

Why you will love this recipe

The combination of a velvety tomato base with toasted, savory croutons elevates a simple dish into an indulgent meal. The subtle hint of spices and the luxuriousness of heavy cream make it perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, smashed with the side of a knife and peeled
• 5 cups canned whole tomatoes in juice
• 1 cup water
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more as needed
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, or 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh oregano
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 slices european-style rustic bread, crusts removed, cut into 3/4- to 1-inch cubes (30 to 36 cubes)

Adviced equipments

1. Blender or Food Processor: For pureeing the tomatoes and any additional ingredients to achieve a smooth soup texture.
2. Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan: To cook the tomato soup evenly, preventing burning due to its heat distribution properties.
3. Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven: Suitable for making large batches of soup and ensuring it simmers properly without boiling over.
4. Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients like browning butter, preparing crouton mixes, etc.
5. Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for chopping vegetables and herbs that go into the soup.
6. Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Useful for stirring and occasionally folding in croutons once they’re cooked.
7. Silicone Baking Mat (optional): If baking your croutons in an oven, this non-stick mat can make cleanup easier.
8. Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure ingredients like butter for the browning process, salt, spices, etc.
9. Ladle: For serving the soup in a nice, controlled manner without splashing or making a mess on your table.

History of the recipe

Tom’s Tasty Tomato Soup with Brown Butter Croutons has roots in classic French cuisine, adapting techniques like browning butter to create a gourmet experience at home. The inclusion of rustic bread croutons adds an homely touch, making this recipe a comfort food staple that’s been cherished by families for generations.

Fun facts about this recipe

Browning butter is more than just a cooking technique; it adds an irresistible nutty flavor to dishes, and in the case of this tomato soup, it transforms ordinary croutons into a culinary delight. The richness from heavy cream combined with the earthiness of browned butter creates a harmonious balance that makes Tom’s Tasty Tomato Soup with Brown Butter Croutons an unforgettable meal.