Heirloom Tomato Soup
Savor the Season: Ulmstead Heirloom Tomato Soup
As the days grow shorter and a crispness fills the air, there’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of tomato soup. But this isn’t just any tomato soup. This is Ulmstead Heirloom Tomato Soup, a celebration of late-summer flavors, bursting with the sweetness of perfectly ripe heirloom tomatoes. Forget the canned stuff – we’re talking about a vibrant, fresh, and utterly delicious soup that will warm you from the inside out.
Heirloom tomatoes, with their unique shapes, colors, and incredible taste, are the star of this show. Unlike their commercially grown counterparts, heirlooms haven’t been bred for uniformity and shelf life. Instead, they’ve been passed down through generations, prized for their exceptional flavor. Using a variety of heirloom tomatoes will give your soup a complex and nuanced taste – think deep reds, sunny yellows, and even striped greens!
This recipe is surprisingly simple, letting the quality of the ingredients truly shine. We gently sweat the onions and garlic to build a fragrant base, then add the tomatoes and basil to simmer until beautifully soft. A quick blend and pass through a fine-mesh strainer ensures a silky-smooth texture. The final touch? A drizzle of good quality olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar to brighten the flavors and create a gorgeous sheen.
Why this recipe works:
- Fresh is best: Using ripe, in-season heirloom tomatoes is crucial for the best flavor.
- Simple technique: The gentle cooking method preserves the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Silky smooth texture: The straining step removes any seeds or skins, resulting in a luxurious soup.
- Bright and balanced: The balsamic vinegar and olive oil add a touch of acidity and richness.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy this Ulmstead Heirloom Tomato Soup as a starter for a cozy fall dinner, or pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting lunch. A swirl of crème fraîche or a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves adds a beautiful finishing touch.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What are heirloom tomatoes? Heirloom tomatoes are open-pollinated varieties that have been passed down through generations. They are known for their unique flavors, colors, and shapes.
- Can I use other types of tomatoes? While heirloom tomatoes are preferred, you can use other ripe tomatoes if necessary. Roma or plum tomatoes are good substitutes.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, you can make this soup a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Is this soup vegan? Yes, this soup is naturally vegan.
Ulmstead Heirloom Tomato Soup
Ingredients
- 5 large heirloom tomatoes quartered
- 1 sprig basil
- 4 cloves garlic peeled
- 1 small white onion sliced thin
- up to 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- olive oil
- salt kosher salt to taste
Instructions
- In a medium size saucepan, gently sweat the onions and garlic in olive oil over medium heat.
- Once the onions are translucent and tender, add the tomatoes and a sprig of basil.
- Continue to cook on medium heat until the tomatoes are soft and completely cooked through, then remove from the heat.
- Using tongs, remove the basil from the pan.
- Transfer the soup base to a blender and blend on high until smooth.
- Pass the contents of the blender through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl.
- Add the balsamic vinegar.
- While whisking vigorously, drizzle in olive oil until the soup takes on a shiny finish.
- Season with kosher salt to taste.
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