Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 medium tomatoes (chopped or pureed)
• 2 cups of milk (whole or any plant-based milk)
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the acidity)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the tomatoes:
   • If using fresh tomatoes, blanch them by placing them in boiling water for 1 minute, then remove and peel. You can either chop or puree them for a smoother texture.
2. Boil the milk:
   • In a separate pot, gently heat 2 cups of milk over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from scorching. Bring it to a gentle boil, but keep an eye on it as milk can easily overflow. Reduce heat to low.
3. Sauté the aromatics:
   • In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
4. Combine tomatoes and milk:
   • Gradually pour the sautéed onions, garlic, and tomato mixture into the milk. Stir slowly to avoid curdling (if you’re concerned about curdling, temper the milk by adding a little bit of tomato mixture at a time while stirring).
5. Cook the soup:
   • Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes. Stir frequently. Add sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Blend (optional):
   • For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup or transfer it to a blender. Blend until creamy and smooth.
7. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley, and enjoy!

This creamy tomato soup can be paired with crusty bread or a light salad for a cozy, comforting meal.