Introduction
Tomato Florentine Soup is a delightful and comforting dish that brings together the rich flavors of tomatoes and the freshness of spinach. This soup is not only easy to prepare but also nutritious, making it a perfect addition to your meal rotation. With its vibrant color and hearty texture, it can be served as a starter or a main course alongside some crusty bread.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
– Onion: 1 medium, diced
– Carrots: 2 medium, diced
– Celery: 2 stalks, diced
– Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
– Canned crushed tomatoes: 28 ounces
– Vegetable broth: 4 cups
– Fresh spinach: 3 cups, chopped
– Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
– Salt: to taste
– Pepper: to taste
– Parmesan cheese: for serving (optional)
Prep Time
The prep time for Tomato Florentine Soup is approximately 15 minutes, allowing you to gather and chop all the necessary ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cooking time for this soup is around 30 minutes. Therefore, the total time from preparation to serving is about 45 minutes. This recipe yields approximately 6 servings, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced carrots, celery, and onion to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Add minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried basil, and oregano to the pot. Stir and cook for an additional minute until the garlic is fragrant.
Step 3: Incorporate Tomatoes
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Pour in Vegetable Broth
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Step 5: Add Fresh Spinach
Add fresh spinach to the soup and stir until wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Finish with Cream
Stir in heavy cream and heat the soup through for another 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 7: Serve the Soup
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm, optionally garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs.
Notes
Note 1: Variety of Tomatoes
You can use fresh tomatoes if desired. Approximately 2-3 cups of diced fresh tomatoes will work well.
Note 2: Cream Substitute
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or try using a dairy-free cream alternative.
Note 3: Freezing the Soup
This soup can be frozen for later use. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Note 4: Additional Vegetables
Feel free to add extra vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers for more flavor and nutrition.
