• Homemade Tomato Soup (Fresh Tomatoes)

    Homemade Tomato Soup (Fresh Tomatoes)

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    Ah, homemade tomato soup. A classic comfort food, elevated to pure bliss with a few simple tricks. This isn't just a soup; it's a symphony of flavors, a velvety dream that'll have you licking your bowl clean.


    Prep Time 10 minutes

    Cook Time 30 minutes

    Total Time 40 minutes


    Nothing beats the taste of freshly made tomato soup. Skip the canned stuff and embrace the pure, vibrant flavors of ripe, juicy tomatoes. This recipe is a breeze to make, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a sophisticated soirée.

    Tomato Selection: A Flavorful Affair

    The key to a truly exceptional tomato soup lies in the quality of your tomatoes. While any ripe tomato will do, I prefer heirloom varieties for their rich, complex flavors. If you're short on time or fresh tomatoes aren't in season, canned crushed tomatoes can be a great substitute. Just be sure to drain them well to avoid a watery soup.


    Roasting for Maximum Flavor

    Roasting the tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness and deepens their flavor. I like to add a splash of red bell pepper to the roasting pan for a touch of sweetness and a vibrant color. You could also use carrots, but I prefer the sweetness of the pepper.


    Tomato to Pound Ratio: A Rough Guide

    The weight of tomatoes can vary depending on the variety, but here's a general estimate:

    • 1 lb of tomatoes ≈ 4-5 medium tomatoes

    Remember, this is just a ballpark figure. The beauty of cooking is flexibility, so don't stress too much about exact measurements.

    Let's get cooking!

    1 lb of tomatoes is approximately (remember you need 3lbs for this recipe):

    2 large tomatoes

    • 3 medium tomatoes
    • 4 Roma tomatoes
    • 2 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
    • 20 cherry tomatoes

    How to Make Tomato Soup

    1. Place tomatoes and peppers on a pan with olive oil and seasonings. Roast until you see a bit of char.
    2. Bring broth to a boil and add roasted tomatoes.
    3. Blend using a hand blender until smooth & creamy.
    4. Top with parmesan cheese or a drizzle of heavy cream if you prefer.

    Taming Tart Tomatoes: A Chef's Tips

    If your tomato soup is a bit too puckery, fear not! There are a few simple tricks to balance the acidity and elevate the flavor.

    Creamy Smoothness:

    • A Dollop of Cream: While not strictly necessary, a splash of heavy cream can soften the sharp edges of a tart tomato soup.
    • Coconut Milk Magic: For a dairy-free option, a drizzle of unsweetened coconut milk can add a creamy richness without overpowering the tomato flavor.

    Sweet Balance:

    • A Pinch of Sugar: A tiny amount of sugar can work wonders in neutralizing acidity.
    • Carrot Infusion: Roasting a carrot alongside the tomatoes adds a subtle sweetness and a touch of earthy flavor.

    Rich Indulgence:

    • Buttery Goodness: A pat of butter can add a luxurious mouthfeel and a hint of savory richness.

    The Perfect Pairings:

    • Classic Comfort: A grilled cheese sandwich is the quintessential companion to tomato soup.
    • Crunchy Crunch: Croutons sprinkled with Parmesan cheese add a satisfying textural contrast.

    So, the next time your tomato soup turns out a little too tart, remember these tips and transform it into a delicious, comforting bowl of goodness.

    Homemade Tomato Soup (Fresh Tomatoes)

    Homemade Tomato Soup (Fresh Tomatoes)

    Recipe

     3 pounds ripe tomatoes
    - 4 cloves garlic peeled
    - ½ onion diced
    - ½ red bell pepper diced
    - 2 tablespoons olive oil
    - salt and black pepper to taste
    - ½ teaspoon dried basil
    - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    - 2 cups chicken broth
    - 2 tablespoons fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, oregano
    - ¼ cup parmesan cheese optional garnish
    - ½ cup heavy whipping cream optional
    - thinly sliced fresh basil leaves for serving, optional


    Instructions 

    Preheat oven to 450°F. Chop your tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Toss them onto a baking sheet with garlic, onion, bell pepper, olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite dried herbs. Roast for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through. Then, broil for a few minutes to add a touch of smoky char.


    Bring your chicken broth to a boil. Add the roasted goodness and fresh herbs. Blend with a hand blender until smooth. If your tomatoes are on the tart side, a splash of heavy cream can add a touch of richness. Taste the soup after blending and decide if it needs a little cream.


    Pour the soup into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese and croutons.


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  • Quick Homemade Mac and Cheese

    Craving a comforting, cheesy, and utterly delicious meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than this homemade mac and cheese recipe! This classic dish is easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion.


    Prep Time: 10 minutes

    Cook Time: 20 minutes 

    Total Time: 30 minutes 


    Why Homemade is Better

    While boxed mac and cheese may be convenient, nothing quite like the taste of homemade mac and cheese. You can control the ingredients by making your own mac and cheese, ensuring a healthier and more flavorful meal. Plus, it's a fun and rewarding cooking experience for kids of all ages.

    Here's How To Make It:

    1. Cook the pasta: Boil the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
    2. To make the roux, Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste.
    3. Create the cheese sauce: Gradually whisk the milk into the roux, cooking until the sauce thickens. Stir in the Dijon mustard and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
    4. Combine and serve: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

    What's the point of a roux? If you've made mac and cheese before, you've likely encountered the word "roux." It's just a fancy term for combining fat (in this case, butter) with flour to thicken sauces.


    Here are a few tips for the best mac and cheese:

    • To keep the heat low, cook it over medium-low heat to prevent the sauce from burning.
    • Cook the flour: To remove the raw flour taste, cook the roux until it smells nutty.
    • Shred your cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 pound macaroni
    • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
    • 3 cups milk
    • 3 cups cheddar cheese
    • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
    • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (optional)

    Instructions

    1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
    2. Make the Roux: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour and cook until golden brown.
    3. Create the Sauce: Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
    4. Add Cheese: Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
    5. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and toss to coat.
    6. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with additional cheese, breadcrumbs, or herbs.

    Indulge in this timeless comfort food and savor every bite.

    Elevate Your Mac and Cheese

    To take your mac and cheese to the next level, consider these delicious variations:

    • Truffle Mac and Cheese: Infuse the cheese sauce with truffle oil for an earthy, luxurious flavor.
    • Bacon Mac and Cheese: Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory twist.
    • Spicy Mac and Cheese: Incorporate jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
    • Loaded Mac and Cheese: Top with breadcrumbs, additional cheese, and crispy onions for a decadent, indulgent treat.

    Serving suggestions:

    • This creamy mac and cheese is the perfect sidekick to your main course. For little ones, pair it with crunchy air-fried chicken nuggets or saucy BBQ ribs. Adults can indulge in a gourmet combo with sizzling cast iron ribeye steaks or crispy air-fried chicken thighs.

    Storing and reheating:

    Mac and cheese isn't just a delicious comfort food; it's also a fantastic meal prep option that reheats beautifully. Whether packing lunches for the week or preparing meals for busy weeknights, this cheesy delight is a versatile choice.


    Discover all the essential tips and tricks for storing and reheating your homemade mac and cheese. We've covered you, from freezing portions for later enjoyment to ensuring optimal reheating techniques.


    Storing and Reheating

    Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat or the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent drying out.

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